WEST BRIGHTON, Staten Island — A peaceful Staten Island neighborhood was shattered Monday afternoon when a 19-year-old allegedly stabbed his stepfather to death inside their home on Cary Avenue, leaving the West Brighton community in disbelief and mourning.
According to the New York City Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call just before 4:30 p.m. regarding a stabbing inside the residence at 380 Cary Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro unresponsive in the bathroom, suffering from multiple stab wounds to the head and neck. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, Casalaspro was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Damien Hurstel, 19, who has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Investigators recovered the suspected murder weapon—a knife—inside the home.
Police sources said the scene was “extremely violent,” marked by signs of a struggle throughout the residence. Detectives from the NYPD’s Homicide Division and Crime Scene Unit worked late into the evening, collecting forensic evidence and documenting the grim details of what unfolded.
Officials reported that Hurstel’s sister made the devastating discovery after returning home around 4:00 p.m. She immediately called 911 upon finding blood throughout several rooms and discovering her stepfather’s body in the bathtub.
While a motive has not been confirmed, law enforcement sources say detectives are examining whether mental health issues may have played a role in the attack. Hurstel was taken into custody at the scene without resistance.
Neighbors described the Casalaspro family as quiet and friendly, adding that they had lived on the block for several years without incident. “This whole world is upside down,” said one longtime resident. “It’s terrible—you don’t do this to another person, not even to an animal. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Another neighbor, Hugh Nembhard, who has lived across the street for more than 60 years, said the tragedy is difficult to comprehend. “I saw the father, but never the stepson,” he said. “We never thought something like this could happen here.”
The NYPD continues to investigate, interviewing witnesses and awaiting autopsy results from the Medical Examiner’s Office, which will officially determine Casalaspro’s cause of death. Police have urged anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
As the community mourns, the shocking loss of Anthony Casalaspro stands as a painful reminder of how quickly violence can erupt within families—and how deeply such tragedies reverberate through an entire neighborhood.