A quiet Staten Island neighborhood was shaken to its core this week after police discovered the decapitated body of 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro in the bathroom of his West Brighton home—a crime so brutal that even veteran officers described it as “horrible” and “upside down”. The alleged perpetrator? His 19-year-old stepson, Damien Hurstel, who now faces murder and weapons charges in a case that has left the community reeling and authorities searching for answers.
The Gruesome Discovery
Police were called to 380 Cary Avenue just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday after reports of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found Casalaspro in the bathtub, not only stabbed multiple times in the head and neck but decapitated—with the knife still lodged in his body. The scene was so shocking that neighbors struggled to process the violence. “This is like a terrible, horrible, to do this to a person you know not even to an animal, you don’t do that,” one resident told reporters.
Hurstel’s sister reportedly entered the home around 4 p.m., finding blood throughout the residence before making the grim discovery in the bathroom. Police quickly took Hurstel into custody; he has no prior criminal history, but sources say he may have a history of mental illness, though details remain unclear as the investigation continues.
A Community in Shock
The West Brighton neighborhood, known for its tight-knit feel, is struggling to make sense of the tragedy. Longtime resident Hugh Nembhard, who has lived across the street for six decades, said he had never seen the stepson before and described the incident as a “shock”. The case has sparked conversations about mental health, domestic violence, and the changing dynamics of urban communities.
What We Know—And What We Don’t
Authorities have not yet released a motive, and it remains unclear whether the attack was domestic in nature. Hurstel’s lack of a criminal record adds another layer of mystery to the case, leaving many to wonder what could have triggered such extreme violence. Police are continuing to investigate, and more details are expected as the case moves through the legal system.
The Human Toll
Beyond the headlines, this case is a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary lives can be shattered by unimaginable acts. Neighbors, friends, and family are left grappling with grief and confusion, while the legal process begins for a teenager whose life has taken a dark and irreversible turn.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, the Staten Island community will be watching closely for answers. Mental health advocates may also seize on this tragedy to call for better support systems, especially for young people in crisis. For now, the neighborhood is left to mourn—and to wonder how such violence could erupt in their midst.
Sources
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