NEW YORK (AP) — A violent rampage shook the Far Rockaway neighborhood in Queens early Sunday morning. Police reported that a man stabbed his family to death, killing four people, including two children, before attacking two responding officers.
The violent and tragic chain of events left behind a disturbing scene on Beach 22nd Street. The neighbors awoke to the sound of gunshots and were shocked to see the aftermath of the crime.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Courtney Gordon of the Bronx, was visiting family at the Far Rockaway home when the horrific incident occurred. Two responding officers engaged him in conversation, which quickly turned violent when Gordon drew a knife and attacked both officers.
The violence also extended to the home, where an 11-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s were found dead with stab wounds. A 61-year-old woman was also found with stab wounds and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Before leaving the home, Gordon set a couch by the front door on fire, forcing the police to wait for firefighters to arrive before entering the premises. The tragedy left the neighbors shocked and heartbroken, especially those who knew the victims.
It’s important to note that this isn’t Gordon’s first encounter with violence, as he had a prior arrest for strangling someone in a domestic incident in the Bronx.
The vicious attack left the entire community in shock and mourning for the lives lost. Although one officer is recovering after being slashed in the face, the toll of this tragedy cannot be understated. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the unfathomable loss and destruction caused by this devastating and senseless act of violence.