Queens community demands justice after teen killed in tragic accident

QUEENS (PIX11) -- The pain for the family of Jael and Leslie Zhinin is immeasurable.

The grandmother tells PIX11 News in Spanish that she cannot grasp that her beloved 16-year-old Jael is dead. The two sisters were struck by a box truck Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 47th Avenue and 46th Street in Sunnyside when they were walking home from the last day of school. 8-year-old Leslie remains hospitalized.

At a vigil Friday evening, family and friends were not only dropping off flowers and lighting candles in her memory. But also demanding justice and that the 28-year-old truck driver takes responsibility.

Police say he has not been charged, and the investigation remains ongoing.  

“You see on the video he never slowed down, never slowed down. You didn’t see it, you didn’t feel it, you see in the video that the driver go in like a bump, and that’s exactly where she was. You are not gonna tell me you didn’t see it. You did not feel it,” said John Tacuri, cousin of Jael and Leslie

The dad tells PIX11 News that he has no tears left and that his family has been ripped apart. They are now arranging a funeral for Jael and dealing with her little sister being traumatized from that horrible afternoon.

“She cared about all of us. She had her dreams, she know exactly what she wanted at 16 years-old.” Stated Tacuri.

The family said they hope Leslie will be released from the hospital soon. On the other hand, the funeral service for Jael will be held this Sunday from 4-9 pm at the Rivera Funeral Home in Corona, Queens.

“Humble, with a big heart,” stated Jason Zhinin when asked about how he wants his sister to be remembered. He added that she wanted to become a flight attendant because she wanted to travel to many places.