Samyia and Sanyia Spain: Suspect stabs one twin to death, injures another and attempts to slash worker
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: A horrifying incident unfolded at a Brooklyn bodega on Sunday, March 17, where a suspect stabbed two twin teens, tragically resulting in the death of one and injuring the other.
In a further display of violence, the assailant also attempted to slash a worker at the store during the chaotic outburst.
Insights into Brooklyn Bodega tragedy
According to store manager Mohammed Albeher, workers were forced to lock the door on the assailant after his initial violent encounter. However, the suspect, who remains at large, waited outside for 19-year-old sisters Samyia and Sanyia Spain shortly before 2:30 a.m.
Albeher recounted the events leading up to the tragic attack, revealing that the suspect had attempted to hit Samyia before his violent outburst.
“I don’t know where the guy [came] from, but he started asking for her Instagram,” he stated. “She refused and he started shouting, raising his voice. So the guy that was working tried to kick the guy out and keep the girls inside."
“He started banging on the window to open the door for him,” Albeher claimed. “He was saying, ‘I want to get my food,’ and when the worker tried to close the door, he tried to stab the guy. He tried to stab my worker. He immediately lock[ed] the door on him,” reported the New York Post.
Suspect lay in wait before attacking the twins
Despite efforts to keep the twins inside, the suspect waited for them outside, leading to a violent confrontation where Samyia was tragically slashed in the neck and chest.
She was later pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, while her sister sustained injuries to her arm but was treated and released.
According to Albeher, the twins had been at a nearby club and made a brief stop at the bodega for food. “It’s so sad,” he said. “I’ve known the girls since they [were] small, saw them as they were growing up. They’re here almost every day. The whole family.”
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene. “He ran off and threw the knife behind him. It was a big knife,” he added.
While relatives of the twins have indicated that they did not know their attacker, speculation remains regarding his potential presence at a nearby club earlier in the night.
