By Ivan Pereira
Kirkland Green, 23, was found dead inside his basement apartment on 147th Avenue and 258th Street shortly before 1 a.m. on Jan. 16, police said. Several unidentified people burst through the door of Green's residence, which neighbors said he shared with other men, and shot him in the leg and neck, according to police.The shooters escaped the scene and the investigation was ongoing. As investigators searched through the house they found a drug scale and several “suspicious items” inside, according to an officer at the scene. A police spokesman said the NYPD was investigating whether the house was being used in a drug-dealing operation.Neighbors said they were distrustful of Green and his housemates because there were always cars parked and double parked outside the house and UPS trucks constantly delivered packages to the residence.”Those guys are crazy. We don't trust them,” said Green's neighbor who asked not to be identified. “We don't usually have these shootings around here. It's quiet and safe.”Police questioned the victim's housemates, who neighbors said drove commuter vans around southeast Queens, at the 105th Precinct. They were not charged or arrested, a police spokesman said.Lloyd Campbell of Springfield Gardens, who drove Green in a commuter van to Jamaica Avenue for more than a year, said he did not think Kirkland was involved in any criminal activities . Campbell said he would always talk politely with him and other passengers during trips to his job, which neighbors said may have been in a Jamaican restaurant in Queens.”I last saw him at New Year's at church,” he said. “He was wishing everyone a happy new year and was praying.”Campbell said he did not know if Green was involved with any gangs or drug operations.Anyone with any information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
