Queens, New York – A 16-year-old suspect is facing charges in connection to a violent attack and robbery outside a church in Queens. The incident, which left a woman fighting for her life, occurred as she was walking to Sunday Mass at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in the Briarwood section.
Police sources revealed that following his arrest, the teen attempted to harm himself while in custody at the 107th Precinct. Officers were able to intervene before any serious injuries occurred. The suspect faces charges of assault, robbery, and grand larceny stemming from the incident captured on security camera footage.
The video footage shows the 68-year-old victim, identified as Irene Tahliambouris by her family, being thrown from the top step of the church by the suspect who had been following her. As she landed on her back and hit her head on the sidewalk, the attacker proceeded to steal her purse, run off, and then steal her car.
Four days after the attack, police arrested the 16-year-old suspect and charged him with assault, robbery, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property. Due to his age, the identity of the attacker has not been disclosed.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the incident, describing the robbery as vicious and shocking. She expressed concern over the suspect’s actions, noting his previous involvement in an unrelated car theft from a different victim just days prior to the church attack.
The victim, Tahliambouris, suffered a skull fracture and a black eye as a result of the attack, with family members stating that she was still fighting for her life in the hospital. Despite the severity of her injuries, there are hopeful signs of her recovery, giving her loved ones optimism for her future.
The community has rallied around Tahliambouris, with Rev. Konstantinos Kalogridis of St. Demetrios visiting her in the hospital. He described her as a humble and kind person, emphasizing the miracle of her survival following such a brutal attack.
In a statement, the victim’s family criticized the current state and city laws regarding criminal recidivism while commending the efforts of law enforcement in pursuing justice for the suspect. They expressed confidence in the District Attorney’s office and the NYPD to take necessary actions to ensure the safety of the community and hold the perpetrator accountable.