Tragic Incident in Queens: Charges Filed Against Suspect
A man from Queens is facing serious charges, including murder and arson, following an alleged violent outburst in which he attacked his stepmother and injured his teenage son. Authorities reported that Weisheng Chen, 27, has been charged with six counts of murder, four counts of possessing weapons, two counts of arson, and four counts of assault.
The incident took place at Chen’s home on Smart Street near 45th Avenue in Flushing shortly before 4 PM on Thursday. Reports indicate that Chen, who had been drinking, launched a brutal attack on Qiujin Shi, 50, and then turned on Shi’s 17-year-old son.
According to police, Chen stabbed his stepmother and subsequently inflicted injuries on his teenage son, including stabs to the face and armpits. After the attack, he set fire to a mattress and reportedly cut his own wrists. Neighbors heard screams, prompting nearby Port Authority officers to provide first aid and alert the authorities.
Both victims were rushed to a hospital in New York, but unfortunately, Shi later died from her injuries. The teen was listed in stable condition, according to updates from the police.
Chen ended up in the hospital as well after the disturbing event and remained there as of Saturday, according to sources.
Witnesses reported hearing loud noises and screams during the chaotic moments of the attack. One relative, 20-year-old Guqing Zhang, mentioned that he was using a VR headset and didn’t notice anything until the screams escalated. He described finding his cousin bloodied on the stairs and discovering his aunt unresponsive on the floor.
Similarly, his 16-year-old sister, Lucin Lin, recalled encountering the aftermath. “I reached the stairs and smelled smoke. I saw my cousin bleeding, and it was overwhelming,” she shared. “When I heard about the talks of divorce, it caught me off guard. I never knew of any serious issues before—things seemed to be fine.”
As of Saturday, Chen was awaiting his arraignment at Queens Crown Court.
