Full Breakdown
Staten Island Teen Charged with Murder Following Gruesome Decapitation of Stepfather
10/8/2025, 4:38:24 PM
Incident Overview
On October 6, 2025, Damien Hurstel, a 19-year-old from Staten Island, was arrested and charged with the murder of his stepfather, Anthony Casalaspro, 45. The incident occurred at their residence on Cary Avenue in the West Brighton neighborhood, where police responded to a 911 call shortly before 4:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Casalaspro in a bathtub, decapitated and with multiple stab wounds to his head and neck. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene.
Details of the Crime
According to law enforcement sources, Hurstel allegedly confessed to the murder, stating that he struck Casalaspro with a meat tenderizer after an argument with his mother. Following the assault, he reportedly attempted to dismember the body, initially using a kitchen knife before resorting to a hand saw. Hurstel's sister discovered the gruesome scene upon returning home from school, finding blood throughout the house and ultimately locating the victim's body in the bathtub.
Background Context
The relationship between Hurstel and Casalaspro was reportedly troubled, characterized by a history of domestic violence. Sources indicate that police had been called to the residence multiple times since 2021 due to incidents involving Casalaspro, who had a criminal record and was known to have been involved in domestic disputes. Hurstel has a documented history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, and his family had previously sought help for his mental health issues.
Official Statements & Responses
The New York City Police Department confirmed the charges against Hurstel, which include murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The Staten Island District Attorney's office is overseeing the case, and Hurstel was expected to be arraigned shortly after his arrest. Friends of Casalaspro expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, with one friend noting that Casalaspro had been preparing to retire and live a peaceful life.
Criticism & Opposition
Community members and friends of both Hurstel and Casalaspro have raised concerns about the handling of mental health issues in the city. Louis Ortiz, a friend of Casalaspro, criticized the lack of adequate mental health support, suggesting that Hurstel's actions might have been prevented with better resources. Ortiz stated, “He’d be alive right now if the city dealt with mental health.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many sources agree on the details surrounding the murder, discrepancies exist regarding the specifics of the domestic violence history. Some reports indicate that Casalaspro was the perpetrator in multiple domestic incidents, while others focus on Hurstel's mental health struggles without detailing the extent of the violence in the home.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did something bad, go to your room,” — Damien Hurstel, allegedly to his sister after the incident.
- “This whole world is upside down. This is like a terrible, horrible, to do this to a person you know not even to an animal, you don't do that,” — Neighbor, commenting on the incident.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder continues, with authorities examining the family dynamics and the history of domestic violence that preceded this tragic event.
