A quiet Staten Island neighborhood was shaken to its core after a brutal domestic homicide left 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro dead inside his own home. Police say the killing occurred late Monday night, when Casalaspro was allegedly stabbed multiple times by his 19-year-old stepson, Damien Hurstel. The horrifying scene unfolded inside their shared residence, where responding officers discovered Casalaspro’s body lying in a bathroom bathtub, already lifeless by the time paramedics arrived.Authorities said it was Casalaspro’s stepdaughter who first made the discovery.
Upon entering the home, she noticed blood in multiple rooms and called 911 after finding her stepfather unresponsive. Officers from the NYPD’s 121st Precinct responded within minutes and quickly took Hurstel into custody at the scene. The weapon—a kitchen knife believed to be used in the attack—was recovered nearby.While investigators have not disclosed a clear motive, early reports suggest mental illness may have played a role.
Neighbors told police they had never witnessed any prior disturbances at the residence, describing the family as quiet and private. “You never think something like this could happen next door,” one longtime resident said, still in disbelief.The NYPD Homicide Division is leading the investigation, working to piece together what led to the deadly confrontation. Detectives are reviewing phone records, interviewing relatives, and awaiting results from forensic tests.
Casalaspro’s death has left family and friends devastated, remembering him as a hardworking, good-natured man who cared deeply for those close to him. As the community struggles to come to terms with the shocking act of violence, loved ones are left searching for answers—and for peace—in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. The case remains active as prosecutors prepare formal charges against Hurstel, whose mental state will likely play a central role in the proceedings.
