A 43-year-old mother, Zhao Zhao, tragically lost her life in a hammer attack on August 23 at a Sunset Park neighborhood apartment in Brooklyn, New York. 

Her children, David, 5, and Sophia, 3, were severely injured and are undergoing treatment at NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn. 

As of Tuesday, August 29, David was reportedly suffering temporary amnesia, but had shown improvement and was moved out of the ICU.

Responding to a 2 pm emergency call detailing a violent clash, NYPD officers captured Liyong Ye, 47, with blood on him, attempting to depart the 52nd Street building. Ye, also a resident in the apartment, lived in one room with his nine-year-old child. A third tenant lives in another room.

At a press statement, NYPD Chief of Patrol, John Chell, described the incident as a “devastating and unprovoked act of violence.” 

The New York Post showcased footage of officers escorting the injured children. A hammer smeared with blood was found at the crime scene. 

Initial police inquiries revealed a possible financial disagreement between Zhao and Ye. 

At the time of the tragedy, Zhao’s husband was in Ohio for work. 

Commenting on the unusualness of such violence in the Fukanese Chinese community, State Assembly Lester Chang shared his insights.

Liyong Ye appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Tuesday and was charged with second-degree murder, assault and weapons possession.