Police charge teen with murder in fatal stabbing of 17-year-old near Queens subway station
SUNNYSIDE, Queens (WABC) -- A 15-year-old girl has been charged with murder in the deadly stabbing of a 17-year-old near a Queens subway station.
The incident happened Wednesday near the 46th Street-Bliss subway station at Queens Boulevard and 46th Street at around 9:25 p.m.
Authorities say the two teens got into a dispute and minutes later, the victim, later identified as Sara Rivera, was stabbed in the neck.
Rivera was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst where she was later pronounced dead.
The 15-year-old ran into the subway station and fled on a train. She was caught at the Flushing Main St station.
Police recovered a knife and other objects at the scene.
The 15-year-old has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Melody Jiminez, a youth mentor and advocate for families affected by street violence, said something has to be done about the rising violence among teens.
"I think that we all need to put our egos aside and understand the crisis that we're having with our youth," she said. "A part of community in unity. And we need all politicians to stand up and to say, we are here for you guys."
The motive remains under investigation but detectives say both girls attended Queens Technical High School.
Jasaiah Ortega, the victim's ex-boyfriend, is just trying to hold on to memories.
"She taught me a lot. She taught me not to take things for granted. People for granted. I'm sorry to you Sara and to your family and everybody," he said.
A memorial at the scene grew steadily on Thursday afternoon, and for teenagers in Sunnyside, the tragedy has hit too close to home.
"I feel like everybody's talking about it but nobody's here, as if everybody's carrying on like nothing happened, but we feel it," said Nandi Sierra.
One man who lives in the area says he was shocked that the violence unfolded in his neighborhood.
"This is very ridiculous because I've lived 10 years in this area and I've never seen it like that. Nothing happening like that. This is the first time because this is a good area, a safe area also," he said.
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