Queens Man Hired Hitman To Take Out Witness In Assault Case: DA

QUEENS, NY — A Queens man stands accused of hiring a hitman to kill a witness who saw him slash another man's face with a broken bottle, Queens prosecutors announced Friday.

Mark Douglas, 44, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of conspiring to murder prosecutors' lead witness in the assault case against him, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

“These murder-for-hire allegations are an affront to the foundation of the criminal justice system and will not be tolerated,” Katz said in a statement.

“Ensuring the safety of those who come forward to report a crime is of the utmost importance.”

Douglas was initially indicted on assault and criminal weapon possession charges stemming from a sneak attack on May 16, 2021, about 4 a.m., according to Katz’s office.

The Arverne man snuck up behind his victim with a broken bottle and left him with a gash that needed 100 stitches, prosecutors said.

Douglas was arrested about a week later on May 25, according to police.

About a year later, the NYPD Intelligence Bureau received word that Douglas wanted to kill a witness and launched a sting operation, according to prosecutors.

Douglas met with an undercover cop in August 2022 and paid him $5,000 to be a “hitman,” prosecutors said.

Douglas also provided detailed information on the target, including his address and photo, prosecutors said.

Commissioner Keechant Sewell joined Katz in celebrating the capture of a man both accused of menacing society.

“The defendant in this case demonstrated a pitiless, calculating disregard for human life,” Sewell said. "Today’s indictment reaffirms our commitment to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions.”