New York Kids Brutalized by Hammer-Swinging Housemate Expected to Be Released From Hospital.
David Zhao, 5, and his sister Sophia, 3, were allegedly assaulted by Liyong Ye inside their Brooklyn apartment.
Two children from New York , victims of a savage hammer assault allegedly by their housemate, are poised for hospital discharge three months following the brutal attack that killed their mother.
Zhao Zhao, 43, and her young kids — identified as 5-year-old David and 3-year-old Sophia, according to a GoFundMe campaign — were allegedly assaulted by Liyong Ye , 47, inside the Brooklyn, New York, apartment they shared with him and two other housemates, on Aug. 23, per the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities believe Zhao and Ye argued about living conditions before she was allegedly bludgeoned and strangled to death, while David and Sophia suffered from critical injuries following the attack that occurred while their father was away in Ohio for work.
Zhao was pronounced dead at the hospital.
David and Sophia have been through multiple surgeries since August, as noted in the GoFundMe campaign’s description.
On Thursday, fundraiser organizers announced the siblings will likely be discharged next week following months of hospitalization and rehabilitation.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support you’ve shown throughout this challenging period. Your generosity has made a significant impact on Sophia and David’s lives,” an update on the website stated. Donors contributed over $200,000 as of Friday evening.
Meanwhile, Ye faces charges including second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
It’s unclear if he entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf.
Ye could receive a life sentence if convicted.
