St. John’s University Community Mourns the Tragic Death of 19-Year-Old Student Giovani Amores
QUEENS, N.Y. — The St. John’s University community is reeling from the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Giovani Amores, a 19-year-old student whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal stabbing just outside the perimeter of the university’s Queens campus early Wednesday morning.
The shocking incident has left students, faculty, and staff shaken and grieving as police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Amores’ death. Vigils, memorials, and an outpouring of support have followed in the wake of the young man’s violent and senseless killing — a crime that has sent shockwaves through the university and across New York City.
The Incident
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), officers responded to a 911 call shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday reporting a stabbing near the intersection of Goethals Avenue and 170th Street, just outside the gates of St. John’s University.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found Giovani Amores lying on the sidewalk with a stab wound to the torso. Emergency medical services transported him to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officials confirmed that Amores was a full-time freshman student at St. John’s and had been enrolled in the university’s School of Education, where he had aspirations of becoming a teacher — a dream fueled by his passion for learning and helping others.
As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and are asking the public for assistance. A person of interest has been identified, and investigators believe the incident may have stemmed from a dispute, although they have not ruled out other possibilities.
“We are exhausting every lead,” said NYPD Deputy Chief Kevin Maloney. “This was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. We are committed to finding out who is responsible and bringing them to justice.”
A Promising Life Cut Short
Giovani Amores was known by friends and classmates as bright, compassionate, and driven. A first-generation college student, Amores was deeply proud to attend St. John’s, and those who knew him say he was determined to make his family proud.
“He had this light in him,” said one of his professors. “Giovani was thoughtful in class, kind to his peers, and truly wanted to make a difference in the world. Losing him this way is incomprehensible.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Giovani was the eldest of three siblings and often took on a protective, mentoring role within his family. He was active in community service both on and off campus and had recently volunteered as a tutor for local middle school students.
“Giovani had a heart for others,” said a friend from his residence hall. “He talked about wanting to go back to his neighborhood one day and teach. He said education saved him and he wanted to pay it forward.”
His death has left his family devastated. In a statement released Thursday, the Amores family thanked the community for its support and pleaded for justice.
“Our son was full of life, love, and ambition. He was taken from us in the most violent and unimaginable way. We ask anyone with information to please come forward. No family should have to endure this pain.”
A Campus in Mourning
St. John’s University officials responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of support for the student body and faculty. The university held a moment of silence on campus Thursday afternoon and is planning a candlelight vigil to be held on the Great Lawn this weekend in Giovani’s honor.
In an official statement, St. John’s University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. called the loss “deeply heartbreaking” and offered condolences to the Amores family.
“We mourn the loss of Giovani Amores, a promising young man who had already touched many lives during his short time at St. John’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire university community. We will honor his memory by supporting one another and upholding the values he represented.”
Counseling services have been made available through the university’s Center for Counseling and Consultation, with grief counselors on standby around the clock for any student or staff member in need.
Student organizations have also begun organizing vigils, prayer circles, and social media campaigns to remember Giovani’s legacy and demand justice in his name.
A Call for Safety and Justice
The fatal stabbing has raised urgent concerns about student safety around campus, especially in the late-night and early-morning hours. While the university is considered a relatively safe environment, its urban setting places students close to public streets and off-campus housing areas that are less secure.
Several students expressed concern during a town hall held Wednesday evening, calling for increased patrols, better lighting, and more robust partnerships between campus security and the NYPD.
In response, the university announced it would be expanding campus security patrols beyond the perimeter, installing additional surveillance cameras, and reviewing current safety protocols.
“Our students deserve to feel safe at all hours of the day,” said Vice President of Public Safety Robert Forman. “We are working closely with city officials to ensure that what happened to Giovani never happens again.”
Honoring Giovani Amores
As police continue their investigation, the community’s focus has turned to honoring the life Giovani lived and the dreams he carried with him.
A GoFundMe page created by his classmates to support the Amores family has already raised thousands of dollars. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and support his younger siblings, who now face an unthinkable loss.
Plans are also underway to establish a scholarship fund in Giovani’s name, aimed at supporting first-generation college students from underserved communities who aspire to careers in education — a reflection of the future Giovani had hoped to build.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls are anonymous.
Rest in peace, Giovani Amores.
Your voice, your dreams, and your light will not be forgotten.
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