The brutal actions of 16-year-old Jayvaun Prince have shocked many as he has already been arrested five times for violent robberies and assaults, including the recent incident where he shoved 68-year-old Irene Tahliambouris down church steps, causing serious injuries. Prosecutors revealed that Prince had allegedly mugged another woman just days before the church attack. Following his latest arrest, he faces charges for both incidents. It was not the first time Prince had been in trouble with the law, having been previously arrested twice for robberies in Queens in August, as well as for misdemeanor assaults in December 2023 and February 2024.
Despite his criminal history, Prince was still on the streets, leading to outrage from Tahliambouris’ family and police officials. There were concerns about why a repeat offender like Prince was allowed to roam free despite numerous felony arrests. Tahliambouris’ family blamed the lenient New York State laws for failing to hold criminals accountable, resulting in a high rate of recidivism and an increase in violent crimes. The attack on Tahliambouris, captured in a video, showed Prince pushing her down the church steps, stealing her purse, and fleeing in her car, a shocking act of violence that has deeply affected the victim’s family and the community.
The series of robberies committed by Prince in Queens in August were violent and included threatening victims at knifepoint and physically assaulting them in various incidents. By September, Prince targeted several victims at knifepoint and stole their belongings, showcasing a pattern of violent behavior. Authorities eventually charged him in all these cases after his latest arrest, which stemmed from the attack on Tahliambouris. The violent nature of the crimes committed by Prince, culminating in the vicious church attack, brought widespread attention and condemnation.
The impact of Prince’s actions was severe, with Tahliambouris left in critical but stable condition, unable to stand or move on her own. Her family has set up a fundraising campaign to support her medical care and described her as a loving grandmother who always helped others. Despite the trauma she endured, Tahliambouris’ family remains hopeful for her recovery and is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. The pastor of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, where the attack took place, visited Tahliambouris in the hospital and mentioned her resilience and positive attitude despite the ordeal she faced.
While Tahliambouris remains in recovery, Prince’s fate is uncertain as he attempted suicide following his latest arrest. The community and law enforcement are keen on holding Prince accountable for his actions, with authorities working to ensure justice for all the victims affected by his crimes. The pastor of St. Demetrios expressed hope that Prince would repent for his sins and seek professional help to address the root causes of his violent behavior. The incidents involving Prince have shed light on gaps in the criminal justice system that allow repeat offenders to continue harming innocent individuals, sparking calls for stricter laws and measures to prevent such crimes from recurring. The lasting repercussions of Prince’s actions underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing violent crime and protecting vulnerable members of society.
