Queens community demands justice after tragic accidental death of teenager

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

The grandmother tells PIX11 News in Spanish that she cannot comprehend the death of her beloved 16-year-old Jael. The two sisters were hit by a delivery truck at the intersection of 47th Avenue and 46th Street in Sunnyside on Wednesday afternoon as they walked home after their last day of school. 8-year-old Leslie remains in the hospital.

At a vigil on Friday evening, family and friends not only laid flowers and lit candles in her memory. They also demanded justice and that the 28-year-old truck driver take responsibility.

Police say no charges have been filed against him and the investigation is ongoing.

“You see on the video that he never slowed down, never slowed down. You didn’t see it, you didn’t feel it. You see on the video that the driver drove in like a jolt, and that’s 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 father tells PIX11 News he has no tears left and that his family has been torn apart. They are now arranging a funeral for Jael and caring for her little sister, who is traumatized by that horrific afternoon.

“She took care of all of us. She had her dreams, she knew exactly what she wanted at 16,” Tacuri explained.

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

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