Queens Grand Jury Indicts Man for Family Murders
Kegan Thomas faces 12 counts after allegedly killing his mother and sister in Far Rockaway.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Crime — General
A Queens grand jury has indicted 33-year-old Kegan Thomas on first-degree murder charges following the deaths of his mother and sister. The victims, Clemer Ponce and Selena Ponce, were killed inside their Far Rockaway home.
Why it matters
The indictment addresses a multi-count criminal case involving severe allegations of homicide and arson. If convicted, the defendant faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Kegan Thomas is charged with 12 total counts, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson. He was arraigned on October 30, 2026, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
The players
Kegan Thomas
The 33-year-old defendant who faces 12 criminal counts related to the deaths of two family members.
Queens District Attorney
The municipal office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and overseeing the grand jury indictment in Queens County.
FDNY
The New York City department that investigated the scene and determined that the fire inside the residence was deliberately set.
The details
Prosecutors allege Thomas shot his mother and sister, Clemer and Selena Ponce, in a bedroom before setting a fire that caused an explosion during a standoff with police. Responding officers shot Thomas after he allegedly pointed a shotgun at them, while two family pets died in the blaze.
Timeline
July 25, 2026: The date Kegan Thomas allegedly killed his mother and sister.
October 23, 2026: The date the Queens District Attorney announced the indictment.
October 30, 2026: The date Thomas was formally arraigned.
January 15, 2027: The date Thomas is scheduled to return to court.
Legal Context
The charges filed against the defendant are grounded in New York State Penal Law Article 125, which defines the state's homicide and murder statutes. This case reflects the standard application of these laws in major felony prosecutions within the Queens jurisdiction.
This case involves a localized violent incident in Far Rockaway that resulted in a police standoff and an investigation by the FDNY fire marshal. Residents should be aware that the legal process is now in the hands of the Queens District Attorney.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious legal consequences for violent crimes, including the potential for life imprisonment without parole. It remains an active matter before the Queens court system until the next scheduled appearance.
What happens next
Kegan Thomas is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on January 15, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit Crime — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wave - Rockaway's Newspaper since 1893 | 718-634-4000.
