Charges Against Teen Stepson for Brutal Stepfather Murder at Staten Island Residence

 A tragic revelation shocked a family following a calm Monday afternoon in West Brighton. Police in Staten Island have charged 19-year-old Damien Hurstel with the murder and decapitation of his 45-year-old stepfather, Anthony Casalaspro. In addition, he faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm and homicide.

Just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, officers were dispatched to 380 Cary Avenue following a 911 call regarding a stabbing. When police arrived, they found Casalaspro unconscious in a bathtub with a knife still embedded in his body and many stab wounds to his head and neck. He was immediately pronounced dead.

According to investigators, Hurstel's 16-year-old sister found blood puddles spreading over many rooms when she arrived home at approximately 4 p.m. After following the trail, she immediately phoned the police when she discovered her stepfather dead in the restroom.

Law enforcement officials claim that the stabbing had turned into something even more severe because the victim was still holding the weapon and was beheaded when the cops arrived. Hurstel did not object to being arrested on the spot. He showed little emotion at the time of his arrest and was wheeled out of the 120th Precinct wearing a Tyvek suit saturated in blood.

Hurstel's past mental health problems are being investigated by authorities, but the reason is still a mystery. While some reports indicate a documented history of mental health issues, others refer to a confession in which Hurstel allegedly claimed an overwhelming impulse to kill.

As the investigation goes on, neighbors struggle to comprehend the horror that is taking place among them. Hugh Nembhard, a longtime resident who has lived across the street for 60 years, said, "I saw the father, but never the stepson." This has completely surprised me. A neighbor groaned, "This whole universe is upside down." A human or even an animal would not be subjected to this treatment.

At this time, the NYPD Homicide Division is conducting an investigation, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Hurstel's arraignment is set for soon, but court documents indicate that he may have experienced a seizure while route, which would have caused a slight delay in the proceedings. 

Authorities believe additional details will come to light as they piece together how a family's living room became the scene of an unthinkable murder. The investigation is still underway.