5-YO Doesn't Recognize Father After BK Hammer Attack

SUNSET PARK, NY — A 5-year-old boy has temporary amnesia and his 3-year-old sister awaits life-saving surgery after the "horrific" Sunset Park hammer attack that killed their mother last week, according to a local organization helping the family.

The 5-year-old recently woke up unable to recognize his father, but in more stable condition, according to a GoFundMe created to support the family.

The young boy, who authorities suspect was attacked by his family's roommate Wednesday, will be moved out of the intensive care unit to the regular hospital ward, according to the Parent Child Relationship Association.

He was able to communicate his needs to his "grief stricken" father, according to the association.

"The silver lining is that he can express his needs and thoughts, a step forward that brings hope," the association said on a GoFundMe that raised over $120,000 in just two days.

"We're holding onto the belief that [his] condition will keep improving with each passing day."

Meanwhile, his sister continues to fight for her life and awaits brain surgery — something she can't get until her condition stabilizes more.

The 3-year-old is unable to breathe on her own, and has significant injuries to her nose from the hammer, the association said. She also had an infection, the association said Saturday.

"We are continuing to pray for her and [she] has not given up," the association said.

Wednesday's nightmare attack at the family's shared apartment on 52nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues has shattered a "humble" family fighting for the "American dream," according to the association.

Zhao Zhao, 43, was pronounced dead at an area hospital shortly after the attack, authorities said.

Zhao was a stay-at-home mother while her husband, Jing Hong Liu, worked in Ohio to support his family, according to the association.

The kids "were the couple’s pride and joy. They made all the sacrifices possible to ensure their children would have a better future," representatives of the association said.

Now, Liu is without work and the children without a home.

"He is doing his best to stay strong to support his children. For the foreseeable future, he won’t be able to work, because he needs to be by his children’s side. The children will also need a lot more resources for long term recovery, both physically and mentally. And resources are something this family is in lack of," organizers said on the GoFundMe.

Over a thousand people donated to the GoFundMe, raising a significant portion of the $200,000 goal.

"I hope the children are able to fully heal from this horrific attack, and the family can heal, find comfort, and grow stronger together," said Diana Lee, who donated to the GoFundMe.

The suspected attacker, Liyong Ye, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges levied against him by the Brooklyn District Attorney, court records show.

But prosecutor's criminal complaint contends Ye confessed he "had done something wrong" to a confidant before he was found standing over Zhao and her two children.