NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 16-year-old boy was indicted on murder and related charges in connection to the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Julian Corniell outside of a Queen’s McDonald’s last month, District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.
“Any homicide is heartbreaking for the family of the victim. This death in particular is tragic because of the ages of all involved. Teenagers as defendants and teenagers as victims sends a message that we need to do more,” Katz said.
The stabbing happened amid a melee between two groups of teens outside a Sunnyside McDonald’s, located on Queens Boulevard between 38th and 39th streets, at 3:25 p.m. on Feb. 14. Police said the fight began in the fast food restaurant and spilled out into the parking lot.
Sources and witnesses told 1010 WINS that up to 20 teens were fistfighting and arguing while clad in ski masks and backpacks, and that the brawl may have been gang-related. Prosecutors said that the two groups were teens who attended different high schools.
During the fight, the suspect allegedly stabbed Corniell in the left side of his torso with a knife. He was arrested on Thursday.
The victim fled the location, crossing Queens Boulevard before he collapsed. He was taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect was arraigned Thursday on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, assault, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.
Police previously arrested a 14-year-old boy at the scene of the murder and charged him with gang assault.
“The attack on Julian Corniell was made even more tragic because it happened, as alleged, at the hands of a fellow teen,” Katz said. “A grand jury has now returned serious charges against the defendant and my office will seek justice.”
The teen was remanded and ordered to return to court on April 30. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.