Last night, tragedy struck the Bronx when 16-year-old Aliyah Williams was fatally stabbed at a neighborhood deli just steps from her home. The young teen, described by her loved ones as joyful, kind, and full of life, was found with multiple stab wounds to her face, chest, and body.
Emergency responders rushed her to Jacobi Medical Center in critical condition, but despite efforts to save her, Aliyah was pronounced dead. The horror of her death has shaken the local community and left her family devastated.
Her grandmother, Rose Anderson, received the heartbreaking news while at work. Through tears, she shared her grief and disbelief: “It’s sad, really sad to take someone’s life like that.
She’s a beautiful kid, and she’s a nice child. I never expected this to happen to her because she’s not a bad kid, you know? She’s a people person and she’s always in our hearts.”
Aliyah lived just down the street from the deli, making the scene of the violence even more haunting for neighbors and friends who knew her well. What was supposed to be a routine stop turned into a senseless act of violence that ended a young life far too soon.
Police have arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the stabbing. She now faces serious charges, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon. The circumstances that led to the altercation remain under investigation, but the loss is already deeply felt by everyone who knew Aliyah.
The owner of the deli, clearly shaken by what unfolded, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Now I have six to eight kids dealing with something so traumatic. We’re failing our kids,” he said.
His words reflect a growing concern shared by many in the community — that youth violence continues to rise, and that more support systems are desperately needed for young people. Aliyah’s death is not just a devastating loss for her family, but a call to action for the city.
She was a vibrant young woman, full of promise and warmth — a “people person,” as her grandmother said, who brought joy into the lives of those around her. Now, her family and friends are left with memories, unanswered questions, and an unbearable silence.
In tribute to her, a heartfelt message circulated on social media:
“Aliyah, hey queen, hey lil sis, I love you, we love you. I’m so sorry this mess of a situation happened to you. You didn’t deserve any of this.”
No parent, no grandmother, no sibling, no friend should ever have to bury someone so young, so full of life. As the community grieves, they also remember Aliyah — not as a victim, but as the beautiful soul she was, and always will be.
Rest in power, Aliyah. You are loved. You will not be forgotten.
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