Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Tragic stabbing incident leaves four dead, including two children, in New York City home
In a horrifying incident that unfolded early Sunday morning, at least four people, including two children aged 11 and 12, were fatally stabbed in a residence in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Authorities have described the incident as a “rampage” by a suspect who allegedly set fire to the couch in the house, attacked two police officers with a kitchen knife, and was subsequently shot dead.
According to the New York Police Department, the violence erupted when two veteran police officers responded to a disturbance call and encountered the alleged perpetrator carrying luggage from the residence. The officers were attacked in the driveway of the home, with one officer sustaining a slash to the face and the other suffering a head wound. In response, one of the officers opened fire, ultimately killing the suspect.
During a news conference, Patrick Henry, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, emphasized the unpredictable nature of police work, stating, “This shows that police officers never know what they’re responding to, what’s waiting for them on that scene.” He further characterized the scene as chaotic, with multiple victims, a house on fire, and a perpetrator on a rampage.
The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Courtney Gordon, who had a prior arrest for domestic violence in the Bronx. The incident unfolded after a 911 call from a distressed young female, who reported that her cousin was harming her family members. Upon arriving at the scene on Beach 22nd Street, the officers encountered Gordon in the driveway, who then attacked them with a kitchen knife.
Despite sustaining injuries, one of the officers managed to draw his weapon and shoot the perpetrator, effectively ending the attack. The wounded officers were transported to Jamaica Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl, who had been stabbed outside the residence, succumbed to her injuries. Inside the house, three more victims were discovered in two back bedrooms, including a 12-year-old boy.
The New York City Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire set by the suspect, allowing officers to enter the residence. Among the victims found inside were a 61-year-old woman in critical condition, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their relatives. Authorities believe that the victims and the suspect are related.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the motive behind this horrific attack. Meanwhile, the injured officers have been commended for their bravery, with the police union president praising the officer who fatally shot the attacker for his exceptional skill in stopping the threat despite being wounded. The potential outcome of the incident without the presence of these brave officers is a sobering thought.