Queens Community Demands Justice After Teen Killed in Tragic Accident

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

The grandmother told PIX11 News in Spanish that she couldn't believe her beloved 16-year-old Jael was dead. The two sisters were hit by a box truck Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 47th Avenue and 46th Street in Sunnyside as they were heading home from the last day of school. Leslie, 8, remains hospitalized.

At a vigil Friday evening, the victim's family and friends not only laid flowers and lit candles in his memory, but also demanded justice and accountability for the 28-year-old truck driver. .

Police say he has not been charged and the investigation is continuing.

“You see on the video he never slowed down, never slowed down. You didn't see it, you didn't feel it, you see on the video the driver went into like a bump, and that's exactly where she was. You're not going to tell me you didn't see it. You didn't feel it,” said John Tacuri, cousin of Jael and Leslie

The dad tells PIX11 News he has no more tears and his family has been torn apart. They are now planning Jael's funeral and dealing with his little sister's trauma from that horrible afternoon.

“She cared about all of us. She had her dreams, she knew exactly what she wanted at 16,” Tacuri said.

The family said they hope Leslie will be released from the hospital soon. Jael's funeral will be held this Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rivera Funeral Home in Corona, Queens.

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