WOODSIDE, Queens (WABC) — A 25-year-old nonverbal man with autism was found dead with slash wounds inside a Woodside, Queens apartment Wednesday morning, and police believe his mother is responsible for his death before later attempting suicide, according to investigators and sources.
Police responded to the home on 59th Street and discovered the body of Bryan Wong. Sources said a suicide note was found at the scene. Investigators believe the note was written by Wong’s mother, who was his primary caregiver.
“They were good neighbors. I’ve never seen anything wrong,” neighbor Mehmet said.
Neighbors described the family as quiet and caring. Gabriel Flores said Wong’s mother sometimes appeared stressed.
“She would say hi sometimes, and sometimes she would just be like very stressed out, like chain-smoking cigarettes,” Flores said.
A neighbor who asked not to be identified said they had watched Wong grow up.
“I’m sad for them. I’m distraught because they took such good care of him, and he’s 25 now,” the neighbor said.
Other neighbors said they often saw Wong traveling to school on a bus for young people with special needs.
“I don’t know, I couldn’t believe it. Because it’s not fair. He’s a young guy,” neighbor Jose Grande said.
Flores said he was shocked by what happened.
“I’m really upset, yeah, I’m really shocked. I can’t believe that happened. Even finding out about the woman, later on, doing that,” he said.
Police believe Wong’s mother later drove to Flushing and attempted suicide by throwing herself from the Van Wyck Expressway above Harper Street. Investigators said she survived the fall but suffered multiple broken bones.
Another neighbor expressed disbelief over the events.
“I just can’t believe that happened. Just so close to me. You never know what’s happening behind closed doors,” the neighbor said.
Police said Wong’s mother is the primary suspect in her son’s death but had not been charged as of Wednesday night while the investigation continued.
Neighbors said the woman’s husband was with her at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, where she was receiving treatment for her injuries. They also said the couple has no other children but helps care for an elderly parent.
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