A homicide occurred on the 14th in Woodside, Queens, where 25-year-old Bryan Wong was found dead in his home with multiple stab wounds to his neck and wrists. Hours earlier, his 62-year-old mother had been discovered injured beneath the Van Wyck Expressway. Police are currently investigating the connection between the two incidents and whether the mother played a role in her son’s death. On the 15th, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner officially ruled the death a homicide.
According to the police, they received a call at approximately 8:55 a.m. on the 14th and responded to a residence on 59th Street in Woodside. They found Wong lying inside the home with multiple traumatic injuries; emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Law enforcement sources indicated that Wong had autism and was non-verbal. The day marked his 25th birthday. His father discovered him in the living room upon returning home that morning and immediately contacted the police. Officers recovered several knives at the scene, along with a note; however, the contents of the note and the identity of the person who wrote it have not yet been officially confirmed.
Approximately five hours before the discovery of Wong’s body—around 4:00 a.m.—police were notified that a 62-year-old woman had been found injured on Harper Street, beneath the Van Wyck Expressway. She had sustained fractures to her pelvis and legs and was transported to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. Police stated that her injuries were consistent with a fall from an elevated position.
Law enforcement sources identified the woman as Wong’s mother, who served as his primary caregiver. Investigators suspect she may be involved in her son’s death and are looking into whether she may have attempted suicide. Gothamist spoke with neighbors and a home health aide who had previously worked for the family. The aide noted that the family is originally from Hong Kong and has lived in the United States for many years.
Neighbors mentioned that Wong was non-verbal and that his mother often appeared extremely exhausted. Other neighbors described the family as very quiet, noting that the mother was frequently seen accompanying her son; some also recalled seeing Wong board a bus designated for special education students. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined on the 15th that the cause of death was homicide.
Fan Yuanjing, Director of the Special Needs Family Services Department for the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) in Queens, revealed in an interview with this newspaper that, according to department records, the man had registered with the program in 2013 but was no longer on the active service list after 2015; he is not currently a client. She noted that the family rarely participated in activities back then.
Discussing the common challenges faced by families with special needs, Fan explained that long-term caregiving can place immense pressure on parents. Some caregivers, even when experiencing emotional distress such as depression, may not realize they need help or seek professional services; instead, they shoulder the entire burden themselves, lacking any outlet for relief.
Fan emphasized that, in addition to mental health support, it is equally important for caregivers to have the opportunity to take a break. “We often talk about the importance of ‘huddling together for warmth’—finding mutual support,” she said. Through various activities, parents can share their caregiving experiences and challenges, gain support from peers, and learn about how other families have utilized available services.
发送反馈