Man Stabs Wife and 12-Year-Old Stepdaughter Inside Bronx Home, Says Police

Late Wednesday night, a quiet residential block in Crotona Park East, Bronx, turned into a scene of horror when a man allegedly stabbed his wife and 12-year-old stepdaughter inside their home.

According to investigators, the violent attack occurred around 11 p.m. in an apartment on East 173rd Street. When police arrived, they found the 31-year-old woman suffering from multiple stab wounds to her abdomen and severe facial cuts. Her 12-year-old stepdaughter was discovered nearby, also stabbed several times and bleeding heavily from the head and face.

Two younger children, ages 2 and 5, were inside the home at the time but were not physically harmed.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Joshua Burnside, who is believed to be the woman’s husband and the biological father of the two younger children. Officers took Burnside into custody at the scene without further incident.

He faces multiple charges, including assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities said additional charges could follow depending on the victims’ medical conditions and the outcome of the investigation.

Condition of the Victims

Emergency responders rushed both victims to nearby hospitals. The mother was reported in stable condition after surgery, while the 12-year-old girl remains in critical condition and continues to fight for her life.

Officials have not disclosed whether the child will need reconstructive surgery, but sources close to the investigation described her injuries as “severe and life-threatening.”

What Led to the Attack?

Detectives are still working to determine the motive behind the stabbing. Early evidence suggests a heated argument may have escalated into violence. The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing neighbors, and analyzing forensic evidence recovered from the apartment.

Police sources say the suspect had no prior domestic-violence reports filed against him, but tensions in the household had been building for weeks. Authorities are now trying to piece together the timeline leading up to the brutal assault.

Community Reaction and Shock

Neighbors in the Crotona Park East area expressed deep concern and disbelief after learning about the attack. Many described the family as quiet and said there were no visible signs of trouble.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said one nearby resident. “To think that two kids had to see something like this — it’s beyond tragic.”

Local community leaders are urging families facing domestic disputes to seek help before violence erupts. Several Bronx-based advocacy groups have already reached out to offer counseling and temporary support for the surviving children.

Domestic Violence and Child Safety Concerns

This case has reignited public discussion about domestic violence awareness and the impact of such incidents on children. Experts emphasize that exposure to household violence can leave long-term emotional scars, even when the children are not physically harmed.

Authorities urge anyone experiencing abuse or feeling unsafe at home to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) or local family services for confidential support.

Ongoing Investigation

The NYPD continues to investigate the case, including reviewing past police interactions, communication logs, and potential warning signs. Detectives are also working with child protective services to ensure the safety and well-being of the surviving minors.

As of now, no motive has been confirmed, and police say the suspect is being held pending arraignment.

A Community United in Hope

The Crotona Park East community has come together in support of the victims, organizing prayer vigils and collecting donations for medical expenses. Local leaders have called for stronger neighborhood programs to help identify families in crisis before tragedy strikes.

“This is a reminder that domestic violence can happen anywhere, and silence only makes it worse,” said a community advocate. “We have to look out for each other — that’s how we keep our families safe.”