An 8-year-old boy was tragically stabbed to death in Queens on Thursday. The New York City Police Department reported that the incident, which took place on 94th Avenue in the Jamaica neighborhood, culminated with a police officer fatally shooting the alleged suspect.

Details of Domestic Dispute

The stabbing appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute, though specific details remain unclear. Among those involved were a 20-year-old suspect and an 8-year-old male victim, who may be brothers or step-brothers according to the authorities.

At around 5:20 p.m., a 29-year-old woman emerged from the apartment building, having been stabbed in the back. She ran down the street to seek assistance from MTA Police, while the building’s security desk simultaneously called 911.

Police Response and Confrontation

Officers responded within three minutes and proceeded to a fifth-floor apartment after speaking to a witness. Inside, they found the suspect holding his 43-year-old father at knifepoint. What they were confronted with was our perpetrator holding his father in a headlock with a knife to his throat, said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.

Shooting of the Suspect

The suspect allegedly refused repeated commands to drop the knife, prompting one officer to fire a single round, hitting the suspect. Officers immediately provided medical assistance, but he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

NYPD Chief’s Comments

Chell highlighted the split-second decisions officers often face. He noted, Just a reminder of being a New York City police officer, what they have to walk into and decisions they have to make quickly. And by making those decisions, they saved two lives tonight. Both victims—the father and the woman—were hospitalized and are expected to survive, as per police reports.

The shooting was recorded on police body cameras, adhering closely to NYPD guidelines, which ensure that body camera footage is carefully reviewed during investigations.

Community Reaction

The incident has sparked fear among residents of Queens, who are shaken by such violent occurrences in their neighborhood. The presence of an 8-month-old baby in the apartment—who was unharmed—has further amplified public concern for safety in domestic environments.

Chell reinforced the importance of vigilance and community support, reminding locals, You see something, say something.

Ongoing Investigation

The NYPD is actively investigating this case under standard procedures, which include internal reviews to determine whether protocols were followed leading up to the shooting. Detailed guidelines surrounding body camera footage will play a significant role in this review process.