Queens, New York – A 16-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a violent attack and robbery outside a church in Queens that left a 68-year-old woman hospitalized. The incident, which occurred on April 7 outside Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in the Briarwood section, was captured on security camera video. The suspect, who remains unidentified due to his age, allegedly threw the victim from the top step, causing her to suffer a skull fracture and a black eye.
Law enforcement sources revealed that the teen suspect attempted to harm himself while in police custody by wrapping his shirt around his neck. However, officers were able to intervene before any serious injuries occurred. The suspect is facing charges of assault, robbery, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property in connection with the attack on the woman.
According to authorities, the suspect had also been involved in an unrelated car theft on April 4 from a separate female victim. The violent nature of the robbery and attack has stirred outrage in the community, with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemning the suspect’s actions as “pure evil.”
The victim’s family issued a statement expressing shock and dismay over the brutal attack, describing it as senseless. They commended law enforcement for their efforts to apprehend the suspect and ensure justice is served. The family disclosed that the victim is currently fighting for her life in the hospital, but there are signs of hope as she shows recognition.
Rev. Konstantinos Kalogridis of St. Demetrios church visited the victim in the hospital, describing her as a sweet and humble person. He expressed gratitude that she survived the harrowing ordeal and referred to it as a miracle. The family, while criticizing the criminal recidivism rates in the city and state, praised the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The community remains in shock over the vicious attack on the elderly woman as they rally around her and her family during this difficult time. The shocking incident has sparked conversations about safety and security in the neighborhood, prompting calls for stronger measures to prevent such heinous crimes from recurring. Authorities continue to investigate the case and urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.