In a deeply tragic incident, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old man in North Corona, Queens, early Sunday morning. Authorities report that the incident occurred following an argument that escalated into violence.
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing around 6 a.m. near the intersection of 35th Avenue and 102nd Street. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Byron Lema-Naula, a Queens resident, gravely injured with a stab wound to his neck.
Emergency medical services rushed the victim to Elmhurst Hospital, where, despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead.
According to the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, the altercation began as a verbal dispute that tragically turned physical. The teenager involved has been charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
The NYPD has refrained from releasing the name of the accused due to his minor status, in accordance with policy.
This heartbreaking loss of life has left the local Queens community in shock. Byron Lema-Naula was a young man with his life ahead of him, making his sudden death all the more devastating.
This incident is one of several violent occurrences reported across New York City in recent weeks. It underscores the urgent need for community-based interventions to prevent such tragedies and support young individuals before conflicts turn deadly.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the NYPD has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.
As the city mourns another life lost to violence, the case raises questions about the deeper issues of youth violence, conflict resolution, and the broader safety concerns in our communities.
