Autistic man discovered dead in Queens home; police investigate mother’s involvement following her suicide attempt.
NYPD detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Bryan Wong, a 25-year-old man with autism, who was discovered deceased in his family’s Queens residence on Wednesday. The initial findings indicate that Wong suffered multiple stab wounds, with his neck and wrists showing signs of injury. This tragic incident unfolded on Wong’s birthday, an occasion that marked both a celebration and a profound family loss.
Authorities reported that Wong’s father discovered his son’s body on a pullout couch in their home located on 59th Street near Laurel Hill Boulevard in Woodside around 9 a.m. Notably, Wong was non-verbal and had been reliant on daily care, primarily provided by his mother.
The investigation into Wong’s death has led to the recovery of a knife from the living area where his body was located, along with two additional knives found in the bathroom. While officials have not officially classified the death as a homicide, a police source indicated that a suicide note purportedly written by the mother, who is currently a person of interest in the case, has been uncovered.
Earlier in the morning of the incident, the victim’s mother, aged 62, was discovered injured near the Van Wyck Expressway, approximately a mile from the family home. She was found lying on Harper Street and was subsequently hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition with multiple fractures.
Witnesses reported seeing the mother moments before her injury, standing near her vehicle on the expressway. Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow regarding the situation, describing the Wong family as an integral part of the community. Many recalled seeing the mother diligently caring for her son, noting the challenges she faced as a caregiver.
The family’s immigration from Hong Kong was shared by various neighbors and community members, who painted a picture of a close-knit family dynamic. A home health aide, who works with Wong’s grandmother residing in a first-floor unit, spoke fondly of both Bryan and his mother, asserting that the latter was devoted to her son and often took him to nearby parks.
As the investigation unfolds, the medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death. The community continues to come to terms with this heartbreaking event, reflecting on the vital but often unseen struggles of caregivers and families dealing with disabilities.
