Family's heartbreaking pics of children with horror wounds after hammer attack

26 August 2023 , 19:12

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The children were pictured in hospital beds with harrowing injuries (Image: Gofundme)

Disturbing pictures show the devastating injuries of two young children who fell victim to a horrific attack that left their mother dead.

Accused in the case is LiYong Ye, a 43-year-old man who allegedly bludgeoned his roommate to death in a shocking attack and left the victim's children fighting for their lives.

The victim, Zhao Zhao, 43, lived together with her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter as roommates with the suspect, LiYong Ye. The tragic event unfolded in Sunset Park, New York, on Wednesday around 2pm, when Zhao Zhao was apprehended by authorities as she attempted to leave the building.

An undisclosed witness recounted that Ye had contacted them on that fateful day, requesting assistance in picking up his son. This call was reportedly made in connection with the alleged attack he was planning. According to Assistant District Attorney Tziyonah Langsam, Ye had informed the witness earlier in the day that he intended to confront Zhao Zhao. Moreover, he asked the witness to retrieve his son before the altercation.

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The deadly hammer attack is believed to have been premeditated (Gofundme)

Law enforcement was informed that upon returning home, the witness discovered Ye standing over the three victims in a blood-stained scene. He held a hammer in his hand, and the kitchen's floors and walls were splattered with blood. Strikingly, Ye had previously complained about the kitchen's subpar living conditions, which were now evidence of the gruesome incident.

The motive behind the attack is believed to have arisen from an ongoing feud among residents sharing separate rooms within the same apartment. Arguments revolving around noise, rent, Wi-Fi, and the condition of the kitchen had been escalating for some time.

The children were pictured on hospital beds surrounded by medical equipment (Gofundme)

The weapon used was covered in blood (NYPD)

Initial assumptions led investigators to believe that the victim had been stabbed in the course of the brutal assault. However, they later realised that a bloodied hammer had been the weapon of choice. LiYong Ye now faces charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He had no previous criminal record, as confirmed by law enforcement.

State Assembly Member Lester Chang remarked on the rarity of such violence within the community, noting the cultural differences of the victims. He attributed the incident to a crossing of moral boundaries, particularly since the involved individuals hailed from a culture accustomed to living in close, confined spaces.

Liyong Le was arrested and charged by police (cbs)

Tragically, the victim's 9-year-old child witnessed the horrifying attack. Meanwhile, her young son and daughter remain hospitalised with grave injuries. Assistant District Attorney Tziyonah Langsam described their conditions as critical, with both children having suffered blunt trauma to their heads. "Our hearts go out to this family," Langsam expressed on behalf of New York City.

The victim's husband, who works in Ohio and visits his family monthly, was not present during the incident. While the attacker's mental state was initially questioned, the police do not suspect that he was suffering from a mental health condition.

Police at the scene (ABC7)

In a GoFundMe page set by a non-profit organisation familiar with the family, they write that "the Zhao & Liu family lived a humble life, but they aspired to achieve the American dream" before "that dream suddenly shattered."

It was stated that the children, Sophia and David have been transferred to Bellevue Hospital Trauma Center. "David’s condition has stabilised somewhat but still needs to remain in the ICU," they mentioned, adding "Sophia was scheduled for a life-saving surgery on Friday, but the surgery had to be postponed until some vital indicators would improve. Please keep her and her brother in your prayers."

Vassia Barba