Tragedy in Queens: Four Relatives Dead After Violent Incident and Police Shootout
A violent incident in New York City’s Queens borough left four relatives dead and two police officers injured, one of them seriously. The suspect was killed by police at the scene. An additional person is reported to be in critical condition at a nearby hospital following the events of the early morning.
Emergency responders received a report from a teenager early on Sunday morning describing a family assault and multiple injuries. The call came in around 5:10 a.m., according to statements shared by police officials. Investigators later confirmed that the caller described a relative who appeared to have harmed others before officers arrived on the scene.
When officers arrived at the residence, they encountered a suspect attempting to depart with a wheeled suitcase. One officer’s face was injured after the suspect attacked with a bladed weapon, and another officer sustained a neck injury during the confrontation. The officers attempted to subdue the suspect and secure the area while ensuring civilian safety.
Describing the encounter, authorities explained that officers approached the entrance and observed a man leaving on foot while carrying luggage. The confrontation lasted roughly ten seconds. During this brief exchange, the suspect drew a knife and struck one officer in the neck and chest while injuring the other in the head. The rapid, violent attack prompted the officers to respond with force to protect themselves and bystanders.
Following the altercation, a veteran officer, aged 28, fired his weapon, bringing an end to the immediate threat and ending the suspect’s life. The department confirmed the suspect’s death at the scene.
Meanwhile, firefighters attended to a fire at the residence, making entry only after flames were controlled. Inside the home, investigators located three bodies, and a fourth death occurred outside the building. All victims showed stab wounds that contributed to their fatalities. The rapid sequence of events and the injuries involved paint a stark picture of a deadly family violence incident with an active police response.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 39-year-old woman named Courtney Gordon. She was transported to a hospital, where medical staff ultimately certified her death. The investigation continues as detectives work to understand the circumstances that led to this deadly incident and to determine the relationships between the victims and the suspect.
Residents and community leaders are awaiting further updates as investigators piece together the timeline and motives behind the killings. In the aftermath, official statements emphasize the importance of safety, rapid emergency response, and the need for ongoing support for families affected by such tragedies. The incident has prompted a review of emergency procedures and coordination between police and fire departments in complex, high-stress calls.