Queens, New York – A 16-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a violent attack and robbery outside a church in Queens that left a woman hospitalized and fighting for her life. The incident occurred as the victim, identified as 68-year-old Irene Tahliambouris by her family, was on her way to Sunday Mass at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in the Briarwood section.
Surveillance video captured the horrifying moment when the suspect, who had been following the woman, threw her from the top step of the church’s front entrance. The victim landed on her back, hitting her head on the concrete sidewalk, before the attacker rifled through her pockets, stole her purse, and fled the scene in her car.
Following his arrest, the teenage suspect attempted self-harm while in police custody at the 107th Precinct, prompting intervention from officers to prevent serious injury. The suspect now faces charges of assault, robbery, and grand larceny for the April 7th attack, which was captured on security camera footage.
Detectives investigating the incident arrested the 16-year-old suspect four days after the attack, charging him with assault, robbery, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the viciousness of the attack, stating that the suspect not only robbed the elderly woman but also left her injured while fleeing the scene in her car, highlighting the severity of the crime.
In a separate robbery on April 4th, the suspect is accused of stealing a car from another female victim. Reverend Konstantinos Kalogridis of St. Demetrios described the attack as “horrible” and “pure evil,” emphasizing the shocking nature of the incident. Meanwhile, the victim, Tahliambouris, remains hospitalized with a skull fracture and a black eye, showing signs of recovering.
The family of the victim criticized current laws regarding criminal recidivism but praised law enforcement efforts to bring the suspect to justice. Reverend Kalogridis visited the victim in the hospital, expressing relief that she survived the brutal attack. The family’s statement shows hope that the perpetrator will be held accountable and the community’s safety will be upheld.