QUEENS, N.Y. — Seven 17-year-olds have been indicted in a violent gang-style assault on two younger teenagers in Kissena Park, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Wednesday.
The defendants are accused of luring a 13-year-old and his 16-year-old friend into a wooded area of the park on May 2, then beating them with a metal baseball bat, punching, kicking, and robbing them. One teen was strangled into unconsciousness, and another had part of his head shaved during the attack.
“As alleged, a group of students lured two younger teenagers into the woods of Kissena Park and relentlessly beat them,” said DA Katz. “This was an outrageous act of mob violence.”
Victims suffered severe physical and emotional trauma
According to the charges, the assault began after a 17-year-old girl — who had a prior friendship with the 13-year-old victim — arranged a meeting in the park. Once there, the younger victims were coerced into the woods by the group, who warned the beating would be worse if it took place on the concrete court.
The 16-year-old was struck multiple times with a metal bat and gloves embedded with metal spikes. During the attack, his shoes, sweater, and phone were stolen. The 13-year-old was also punched, kicked, and struck with the bat. The 16-year-old lost consciousness from strangulation, and one assailant used battery-operated clippers to shave his head during the ongoing assault.
Defendants face up to 25 years in prison
The teens face a combined 25-count indictment, including attempted murder, gang assault, robbery, strangulation, and criminal possession of a weapon. The defendants were arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Bruna DiBiase between June 4 and June 25. If convicted of the top charges, they each face up to 25 years in prison.
Both victims were hospitalized. The 13-year-old suffered swelling, bruising, eye damage, and a concussion. The 16-year-old sustained similar injuries along with memory loss.