A normally peaceful neighborhood in Queens was shattered by screams moments before a man reportedly under the influence brutally stabbed his mother-in-law to death and injured her teenage son, according to local residents.
Shi Quijin, 50, known as “the boss” of her household, was fatally attacked by her 27-year-old son-in-law during a violent confrontation at their Smart Street residence, where he also set a mattress ablaze.
“I heard a man yelling, not actual words, just a loud ‘aaahh.’ Then I heard a woman shout, ‘Call an ambulance’ in English. I was astonished because they usually communicate in another language,” a neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted after witnessing the scene.
Three bloodied victims were rushed to NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, with Quijin succumbing to her severe injuries.
Her 17-year-old son, who suffered stab wounds to his face and armpit, is currently reported to be in stable condition.
The attacker was also admitted to the hospital and is now in police custody. He has yet to be publicly named as charges are still under review.
Witnesses described Quijin as a devoted mother who dedicated countless hours to enhancing her home and cultivating her garden.
“I always admired her; her husband worked in construction. When they bought the property about 13 years ago, it was a small place. I watched as they transformed it, tearing down the old structure and building a beautiful home, with her leading the effort,” commented a neighbor.
“It’s all just very tragic.”
Authorities reported that Quijin’s son-in-law had been drinking prior to the attack, during which he inflicted multiple stab wounds on both Quijin and her son, then attempted to harm himself before igniting a mattress.
One of the victims managed to escape outside, calling out for help, which alerted a nearby Port Authority officer who provided first aid and summoned rescue services.
This individual has no prior arrests and is believed to be undergoing a divorce, though it remains unclear if he or his estranged spouse resided at the Smart Street home, where several family members apparently live.
Guqing Zhang, 20, and his sister Rouxin Lin, 16, recounted being in the basement when they heard a loud sound followed by screaming, prompting them to go upstairs where they found their injured relatives.
“Everyone was in a panic… I opened the door and rushed in, seeing my aunt lying on the floor, motionless. Then I was told there was someone with a knife inside,” Zhang recounted.
Martha Flores Vasquez, a clinical psychologist and founder of Community Prevention Alternatives, speculated that the 27-year-old suspect may have been experiencing a significant mental health crisis.
“I believe what happened indicates a significant mental health deterioration, possibly exacerbated by being off medication,” she explained, adding that “decompensated” indicates mental instability.
“If you notice someone who appears unstable, it’s crucial to speak up. Neighbors need to report any concerning behavior to authorities.”
