Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Tragedy Strikes Queens Home as Stabbing Spree Leaves Four Dead and Two Officers Injured
In a horrifying incident early Sunday morning, a family gathering turned into a scene of unimaginable violence in Queens, resulting in the death of four family members and injuries to two New York Police Department (NYPD) officers. The suspect, identified as Courtney Gordon, 38, was shot and killed by police after a stabbing spree that shocked the Far Rockaway community.
The incident unfolded at a residence in Far Rockaway, where NYPD officers responded to a distressing 911 call placed by a young girl at 5:10 a.m., reporting that her cousin was attacking family members. NYPD Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey provided details on the encounter between the officers and the suspect, who was leaving the residence with luggage when stopped for questioning.
Amid the chaos, Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, described the harrowing scene as “multiple victims, a house on fire, and a madman on a rampage.” The unfolding tragedy began when two uniformed police officers engaged a man leaving the residence in casual conversation, only for him to swiftly turn violent, brandishing a kitchen steak knife within seconds. The assailant attacked both officers, stabbing one in the neck and chest, and the other in the head. In a decisive move, a 28-year NYPD veteran, identified as Edmond Decio, shot and killed the attacker. Although both officers were hospitalized, their recovery is expected. The razor-thin margin in Decio’s injuries highlights the perilous nature of the encounter.
Upon attempting to enter the residence to aid the victims, officers faced an additional obstacle—a fire deliberately set in the living room. The New York City Fire Department swiftly extinguished the blaze, enabling officers to reach the interior of the house. Inside, they discovered the lifeless body of an 11-year-old girl near the entrance.
Further investigation revealed four additional victims in the two back bedrooms of the home. The tragedy included a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s—all succumbing to the brutal attack. A 61-year-old woman, also found in critical condition, is currently undergoing treatment for multiple stab wounds.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny shared that the suspect, a Bronx resident, was visiting his family in Far Rockaway when the incident transpired. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities are diligently working to piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
A “typical kitchen steak knife” was recovered at the crime scene, identified as the weapon used against the officers. No other weapons have been found, and the investigation is ongoing. The 911 caller, a crucial witness, is cooperating with the police in providing essential details.
The community of Far Rockaway is grappling with the shock and grief of this inexplicable violence. As investigators delve into the circumstances surrounding the incident, questions linger about the motive and any potential warning signs that may have preceded the attack. The impact of this tragedy reverberates beyond the immediate victims, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the complexities of mental health and familial dynamics to prevent such devastating events in the future.