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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Officials received a call just before 4 p.m. for reports of a person stabbed at the location, and a fire.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Police say the suspect slashed his wrists after setting the fire. He was taken into custody, and is in critical condition.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Vazquez is a domestic violence counselor and offered support to the family.<\/p>\n
“It’s really very sad that we can avoid things like this if the community comes together,” she said.<\/p>\n
Neighbors are shocked by the violence, and on Thursday night, relatives are remembered their aunt as a caring woman.<\/p>\n
Police say eight officers suffered smoke inhalation and are expected to be OK.<\/p>\n
The fire was placed under control around 4:40 p.m.<\/p>\n
The Red Cross offered assistance to family members who say they will be staying with other relatives for now.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* More Queens news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Follow us on YouTube<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n