Family massacred in Far Rockaway stabbing spree, NYPD fatally shoots suspected killer

Dec. 3, 2023, 11:19 a.m.

Four family members were stabbed to death in Far Rockaway on Sunday morning — and the police fatally shot the suspected murderer after he attacked two NYPD officers with a knife, officials said during a news conference.

A police cruiser and police tape on Beach 22nd St.

Four family members were stabbed to death in Far Rockaway on Sunday morning — and the police fatally shot their suspected murderer after he attacked two NYPD officers with a knife, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said during a new conference.

Police officials said two officers responded to a call from a teen who said her cousin “was killing her family” at 467 Beach 22nd Street at around 5:10 a.m. When they arrived on the scene, officials said they approached a man walking out of the home with luggage. The man stabbed both the officers with a knife — prompting one of the officers to shoot him, Maddrey said.

The man — identified as 38-year-old Bronx resident Courtney Gordon — later died from his injuries. Police said Gordon was visiting family members at the home, adding he had a prior arrest for domestic violence strangulation.

Police had to wait to enter the residence as FDNY had to extinguish a couch that was set on fire, they believe by Gordon.

Police found an 11-year-old girl dead in front of the home. A 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman and a man in his 30s were also found dead inside.

Police said they also found a 61-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds, who was transported to the hospital.

Both police officers were transported to Jamaica Hospital and expected to recover, according to the Police Benevolent Association.

A kitchen knife was found on the scene and was the only weapon recovered from the scene, according to the NYPD. Police are investigating the incident to determine a motive.

Tom Robertson, who said he's lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, said he's never heard of such a terrible crime in the area.

"It's always been peaceful around here," said Robertson, 83. "Its surprised me."

Malik Sanders, who works for Queens defenders, visited the crime scene Sunday afternoon to offer help to the community. He said the tragedy highlights the need for more mental health resources in the city.

"I think it speaks to the mental health crisis that is going on all over America and the need for services for people so that we don't get to these sort of situations," Sanders said.