Four family members tragically lost their lives in a horrifying stabbing spree that occurred in a residence in Far Rockaway, Queens, early Sunday morning. The incident also left another individual injured, along with two police officers, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The devastating incident unfolded when a young girl placed a call to emergency services at around 5:10 a.m., notifying them that her cousin was attacking her family members, as revealed by NYPD Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey. Responding quickly, two NYPD officers encountered the suspect, later identified as Courtney Gordon, in the driveway of the residence. Gordon, who was believed to be a family member of the victims, was leaving the premises while carrying luggage when the officers approached him for questioning.

During a brief conversation lasting about 10 seconds, the suspect suddenly brandished a knife, stabbing one officer in the neck and striking the other officer on the head, Chief Maddrey relayed. Acting swiftly to protect themselves and others, one of the officers drew their firearm and discharged it, fatally injuring the suspect. Gordon, 38, was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to the authorities.

Upon further investigation at the crime scene, officers discovered an 11-year-old girl lying in front of the house. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries and did not survive. The officers swiftly attempted to gain entry into the residence to reach the remaining victims, but their progress was hampered by a fire that had been deliberately ignited in the living room, preventing their access. The New York City Fire Department responded promptly and extinguished the blaze.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny revealed that investigators believe the suspect had ignited a couch on fire as he fled the scene. Subsequently, officers found four additional victims in the rear bedrooms of the house. Among them, a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s lost their lives as a result of the vicious attack, Chief Maddrey stated. Furthermore, a 61-year-old woman suffered critical injuries from multiple stab wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

Both injured officers were promptly transported to nearby hospitals to receive immediate medical attention for their wounds. Thankfully, their injuries are not considered life-threatening, and they are expected to recover, Chief Maddrey assured.

At the crime scene, investigators recovered a kitchen steak knife, which was believed to be the weapon used to harm the police officers. No other weapons have been found thus far, and a motive for the attack remains unknown.

As the investigation continues, the 911 caller, who bravely alerted authorities to the unfolding tragedy, is providing information to assist in piecing together the events leading up to the incident. Meanwhile, authorities have revealed that the suspect, Courtney Gordon, was a resident of the Bronx and had been visiting his family in Far Rockaway at the time of the shocking attack.

This heart-wrenching incident has left the community in mourning and reinforces the need for further efforts to understand and address the underlying causes of such devastating acts of violence.