Queens man charged with murder after allegedly killing mother-in-law and setting house on fire.

In a tragic incident that has shocked the Flushing community, authorities have charged a 27-year-old man, Wei Sheng Chen, in connection with the brutal stabbing death of his mother-in-law and subsequent arson at their family residence on Smart Street. The police reported that Chen faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, assault, and weapons possession in the aftermath of the disturbing events that unfolded on Thursday afternoon.

According to police statements, the violent episode began around 3:30 p.m., as Chen allegedly attacked his 50-year-old mother-in-law, Qiujin Shi, and her 17-year-old son in the family home. While Chen’s wife was outside screaming for help, he is said to have lit a mattress on fire in a rear bedroom following the attack. As the flames spread, he reportedly attempted to take his own life by inflicting a wrist injury.

Emergency calls from neighbors alerted authorities to the unfolding crisis, prompting a swift response from police and firefighters, who successfully extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. Among the first responders was an off-duty, pregnant Port Authority police officer who provided immediate aid to the injured teenagers seen stumbling from the house. Her quick actions undoubtedly helped in mitigating the severity of injuries sustained by Chen’s brother-in-law.

As emergency services tended to the victims, eyewitness accounts detailed the frantic atmosphere, with neighbors recalling heart-wrenching cries for help and urgent requests for medical assistance. One neighbor described an anguished sound, characterizing it as unintelligible screams that underscored the gravity of the situation obtaining within the residence.

Following the incident, both Shi and Chen’s teenage son were transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, where unfortunately, Shi later succumbed to her injuries. Meanwhile, the wounded young man managed to survive. Responding officers also endured minor injuries due to smoke inhalation as they entered the burning structure; four of them required medical attention but have since been treated.

As investigations continue, relatives of Shi have revealed that tensions may have escalated due to ongoing personal issues between Chen and his wife, raising questions about the circumstances that led to such a violent outburst. The psychological and familial dynamics surrounding Chen’s actions are still being assessed as he remains in police custody with an arraignment in Queens Criminal Court anticipated shortly. The tragic implications of the incident resonate deeply within the community, highlighting the urgent issues surrounding domestic disputes and mental health.