Suspect in Deadly Gas Station Stabbing of O’Shae Sibley in Police Custody
The suspect in the fatal gas station stabbing of O’Shae Sibley is now in police custody after turning himself in at a Brooklyn stationhouse, according to a senior law enforcement official. The suspect’s name has not been released by the police, but New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov shared the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the man turned himself in on Friday and is now in custody. A senior law enforcement official has confirmed that the individual is indeed in custody.
This news comes ahead of a planned memorial for Sibley, who tragically lost his life in a confrontation between a group of friends at a Mobil station in Midwood. According to a friend, Sibley and his group of friends were dancing to a Beyoncé song as they filled up their car with gas, when another group of young men took offense to something.
While the police have not provided many details about the investigation or discussed a motive, a friend who was present at the scene emotionally stated in a Facebook video that Sibley died “because he stood up for his friends.” Otis Pena, who posted the video, mentioned that Sibley and his friends were enjoying themselves while listening to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album when the attack occurred.
Sibley’s death has deeply affected New York City’s LGBTQ community and even caught the attention of Beyoncé herself, who posted a tribute on her website. Initial reports described Sibley as being stabbed while dancing, but security camera footage reveals a more complex situation.
Sibley, a professional dancer and a member of the dance company Philadanco, used dance to celebrate his LGBTQ identity. Video footage shows members of Sibley’s group performing a dance-like strut by their car, shirtless in bathing suits. Later, Sibley went to the gas station’s convenience store and began speaking with an agitated young man, leading to a gathering crowd.
The argument continued between Sibley’s friends and the other individual for a few minutes before both groups walked away. Sibley and his friends returned to their car while everyone else went inside the convenience store, except for one person who remained outside recording with their phone. Suddenly, Sibley and a friend walked back towards the person with the phone, seemingly provoked by something he said.
A man from the convenience store stepped between Sibley and the teen, but Sibley lunged around him towards the teen who jumped backward. Both individuals then moved out of the camera’s view. The video does not clearly show when Sibley was stabbed or who was responsible. Shortly after, Sibley reappeared on camera looking stunned and checking his side.
Sibley was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Witness Summy Ullah told the Daily News that the young men had been harassing Sibley’s group due to their behavior being offensive to them. Ullah stated, “They were only dancing. They were saying, ‘Oh, we’re Muslim, so don’t do this in front of me.'” He added that someone asked why they were dancing in their underwear.
In an emotional video shared hours after Sibley’s death, Otis Pena tearfully recollected the incident, referring to Sibley as his closest friend. He asserted that Sibley was murdered because he was gay. A vigil is scheduled for Saturday at Manhattan’s LGBTQ Community Center, and a celebration of life ceremony will take place on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Beyoncé’s website now displays the message “Rest in power O’Shae Sibley.”