A 16-year-old boy has been busted for allegedly stabbed a younger teenager to death at a McDonald’s restaurant on Valentine’s Day.
Teens from two different high schools gathered at the McDonald’s in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, New York, mid-afternoon that day, according to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.
During the melee at the fast food joint on Queens Boulevard, the defendant is accused of using a knife to fatally stab Julian Corniell, 14, in his left torso.
Julian fled, crossed Queens Boulevard, and collapsed on the street. He was rushed to nearby hospital, where he died.
‘Any homicide is heartbreaking for the family of the victim. This death in particular is tragic because of the ages of all involved,’ stated District Attorney Melinda Katz on Friday.
‘Teenagers as defendants and teenagers as victims sends a message that we need to do more.
‘The attack on Julian Corniell was made even more tragic because it happened, as alleged, at the hands of a fellow teen.’
Corniell’s family described him as a ‘bright, kind-hearted young boy with a future full of promise’.
‘He was a loving son, a caring brother, a cherished friend, and a source of joy to everyone who knew him,’ stated a GoFundMe page for his family.
‘His warm smile and gentle spirit touched countless lives, and his sudden passing has left his family and community heartbroken.’
On Thursday, the unnamed boy was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault and other crimes.
‘A grand jury has now returned serious charges against the defendant and my office will seek justice,’ stated Katz.
The GoFundMe page had raised more than $21,000 as of Friday evening.
He was charged four days after a grandfather entered a McDonald’s in Texas to buy Happy Meals for his grandchildren and was shot dead in crossfire.
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