14-year-old killed in stabbing after previous attacks in Queens

In Sunnyside, Queens, a tragic incident occurred on Friday afternoon, where a 14-year-old boy named Julian Corniell was fatally stabbed multiple times in the abdomen. The stabbing took place around 3:30 PM on 38th Street, close to Queens Boulevard. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with a group of around 15 to 20 masked youths confronting another group, leading to the violent altercation. Police are still investigating the incident, during which a knife was discovered at the crime scene. Julian was a recent student at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, having transferred there in November. Prior to this, he had undergone two school transfers and had an order of protection against another student after being previously attacked by a group of ten teens early last year. There is uncertainty whether the Friday incident was connected to previous altercations he faced, which contributed to a worrying cycle of youth violence in New York City. The aftermath of the stabbing deeply affected Julian's family, particularly his mother and aunt, who expressed profound grief over his death. His mother recounted the moment he left home, believing he was heading to school, only to later receive devastating news of the incident. Julian was remembered fondly by his family, describing him as a sweet boy, a loving brother, and greatly cherished. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in New York City, which has seen a sharp increase in assaults on minors. Last week, reports indicated that 2024 had the highest number of assaults on individuals under 18 in five years, raising questions about community safety and the need for effective interventions to prevent future acts of violence among youth.