Pregnant police officer assists Queens teenager injured in stabbing incident involving family member.

A tragic incident unfolded in Queens, New York, on October 2, 2025, when a 17-year-old boy was brutally attacked by his 27-year-old brother-in-law who had previously murdered the boy’s mother. The horrifying chain of events occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Smart Street and 45th Avenue, drawing the attention of a nearby off-duty Port Authority police officer.

The officer, who is four months pregnant, was on her way home when she heard frantic cries for help. Upon reaching the scene, she found the teenager bleeding profusely in the street. His mother, Qiujin Shi, a 50-year-old woman, had already succumbed to her injuries inside their home. According to law enforcement officials, the 27-year-old attacker—identified as Shi’s son-in-law—allegedly stabbed Shi before turning the knife on her son.

Witnesses described the chaotic atmosphere as screams echoed in the neighborhood. The cries came primarily from Shi’s daughter, who was outside the residence during the attack, pleading for assistance. According to the responding officer, the daughter indicated that not only was her mother harmed but that her husband was attempting to start a fire within their home. In fact, after the stabbings took place, the suspect reportedly ignited a mattress in a back bedroom before inflicting self-harm.

The officer immediately provided first aid to the injured teenager, who sustained multiple stab wounds, including deep gashes above his left eye and cuts to his armpit. She assisted the youth until emergency medical services arrived, helping him to an ambulance as firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze.

Following the incident, Shi and both her son and son-in-law were transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, where it was confirmed that Shi did not survive her injuries. The teenage victim and his attacker were reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators indicated that the relationship between the suspect and Shi’s daughter had been strained, with reports of a pending divorce suggesting personal turmoil may have prompted the violence. Neighbors described the typically quiet neighborhood being shaken by the events, with one person recalling the sound of desperate screams before police arrived on the scene.

Five officers also encountered minor injuries due to smoke inhalation while attempting to navigate the smoke-filled home. They received medical attention at Queens Hospital Center.

The actions of the off-duty officer have been lauded by her colleagues. Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, praised her heroism, highlighting her courage in responding to a potentially dangerous situation without hesitation. The community mourns the loss of Shi while grappling with the aftermath of this shocking tragedy.