By Bianca Fortis
Police are investigating whether a violent stabbing of a 17-year-old girl last week was related to a gang conflict, officials said.
Woodhaven teen Natasha Martinez was walking home at about 11:25 p.m. from her job at a nearby McDonald’s July 29. Just as she reached the front door of her house on 85th Street, a man attacked her and stabbed her repeatedly.
Her mother heard her screams and rushed to the door where she found her daughter lying, covered in blood. The suspect immediately ran from the scene. Martinez was taken to Jamaica Hospital where she was listed in stable condition, police said.
Police initially thought the attack was unprovoked and may have been tied to another stabbing in late June, prompting concerns of a serial stabber. In that case, a 36-year-old Queens Village woman was arriving home from work at 4:45 a.m. when a man in a black hoodie approached her and stabbed her several times in the throat.
Now police are looking into whether the second case may have actually been the result of a gang feud. Officials had no other new information about the case.
Police released surveillance footage from the second incident in which a man in a light-colored hoodie is seen walking down the street. Police believe he may be the attacker.
Anyone with information about the stabbing is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
Reach reporter Bianca Fortis by email at bfortis@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
