FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) — A man has been taken into custody after allegedly stabbing his mother-in-law to death and injuring his brother-in-law before starting a fire in Queens on Thursday, according to police.
NewsCopter 7 was over the scene at a multi-family home located at 45-18 Smart St. between 45th Avenue and Holly Avenue in Flushing.
Officials received a call just before 4 p.m. for reports of a person stabbed at the location, and a fire.
Police say a 27-year-old man allegedly stabbed his 50-year-old mother-in-law multiple times, killing her. They say he then allegedly stabbed and injured his 17-year-old brother-in-law. It’s not clear what his condition is, but he is expected to survive.
Two siblings, who wished not to be identified and live in the basement of the home, told Eyewitness News that their cousin’s husband is the 27-year-old suspect. They say he stabbed the two, including the 50-year-old woman who is the siblings’ aunt, in their first floor home before allegedly setting a back room on fire.
“They were talking about the divorce. That’s what happened. That’s what made him crash out and started stabbing everyone,” one of the siblings said.
Police say the suspect slashed his wrists after setting the fire. He was taken into custody, and is in critical condition.
“Apparently it has to do with mental health. Right? And I always tell everybody, if you see something, say something,” said State Assembly District Leader Martha Flores Vazquez.
Vazquez is a domestic violence counselor and offered support to the family.
“It’s really very sad that we can avoid things like this if the community comes together,” she said.
Neighbors are shocked by the violence, and on Thursday night, relatives are remembered their aunt as a caring woman.
Police say eight officers suffered smoke inhalation and are expected to be OK.
The fire was placed under control around 4:40 p.m.
The Red Cross offered assistance to family members who say they will be staying with other relatives for now.
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