In Staten Island, New York City, over the weekend, red, white, and blue candles shaped in an “S” shape were displayed outside an apartment building. This memorial marked the location of a chilling event that took place on Friday afternoon, October 6, 2023. 

The incident unfolded on a city bus, when Syles Ular, 13, already seated on the bus was attacked by a 14-year-old, resulting in a heated verbal exchange between the two. According to a teenager present on the bus, the two boys yelled at each other and used gang gestures. New York Police Department (NYPD) Patrol Chief John Chell confirmed these details in a press conference, stating, “The youths were engaged in a verbal altercation and exchanged gang symbols.”

The dispute took a violent turn when the 14-year-old allegedly took out a knife, stabbing the younger teenager multiple times. The same teenage witness recalled the harrowing pleas of Syles, desperately calling for help and gasping for breath.

Following the attack, Syles staggered to the front of the bus, collapsing beside the bus operator. Despite his visible distress, the bus driver attempted to soothe the passengers and promptly called for emergency assistance. Meanwhile, the attacker fled the scene, running about three blocks before being apprehended by a retired NYPD sergeant.

Authorities later revealed that Syles suffered multiple stab wounds. He was quickly transported to Staten Island University South Campus but was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. Both the victim and the accused were identified as middle school students.

The 14-year-old suspect was arrested at 11:15 pm on Friday, facing charges including murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon.

This incident adds to a growing concern about youth violence in the city, prompting calls for community action and intervention.