A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Julian Corniell, a ninth-grade student, in Sunnyside, Queens. The incident, which occurred Friday afternoon, left the community in shock as details emerged about the violent attack.
Tragic Incident in Sunnyside, Queens
Police reports indicate that Julian Corniell, 14, was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen near a McDonald’s parking lot at 38th Street and Queens Boulevard. The attack, which involved 15 to 20 teenagers, took place in broad daylight, leaving the young boy fatally injured.
Key Details:
- Victim: Julian Corniell, 14 years old.
- Location: Near McDonald’s, 38th Street & Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside, Queens.
- Time: Friday afternoon.
- Suspect: Another 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with gang assault.
- Investigation: Ongoing; unclear if additional suspects are being sought.
A knife was found at the scene, and police continue to gather information on whether others were involved in the attack.
Julian’s Troubled School History
Julian was a student at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, but his mother, Julia Verona, revealed that he had been transferred twice before starting there in November 2023.
She also shared that Julian had an order of protection against another student after being attacked by 10 teenagers early last year. However, it remains unclear whether Friday’s attackers were connected to his past assailants.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the tragedy is that Julian’s mother had no idea why her son was in Sunnyside that day.
Julia Verona (Julian’s Mother): “We live in Jamaica, which is very far from Sunnyside. I don’t know how my son ended up over there.”
She added that she last spoke to Julian on Friday morning, when he asked for money to buy a Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend.
Remembering Julian Corniell
Julian was the second oldest of five siblings and the only boy in a family of girls. His mother described him as a loving brother who always looked after his little sisters.
Hobbies & Interests:
- Loved playing soccer.
- Enjoyed video games.
- Was deeply involved in his family’s life.
His mother’s grief: “I don’t want to go home. I don’t want to find his bed without him there. And I’m very devastated.”
Julian’s Aunt, Sheila Corniell: “We can’t process this. This is not natural. This is not the way things work. Julian was supposed to put us to rest. We were not supposed to put him to rest.”
His family insists that Julian was not involved in street life and that he was a sweet, caring boy who didn’t deserve this fate.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, a 14-year-old suspect is in custody and charged with gang assault. However, authorities have not confirmed whether additional arrests will be made. The case remains under active investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
The tragic loss of Julian Corniell serves as a devastating reminder of youth violence in the community. His family and loved ones continue to mourn, hoping for justice and answers.
