A Staten Island community is reeling from a grisly incident where a teenager is accused of decapitating his mother's boyfriend following a tumultuous history of domestic disputes. The victim, 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro, a city Department of Sanitation worker, had been involved in at least five domestic violence-related 911 calls to the West Brighton residence since 2021.
Authorities have documented multiple violent incidents between Casalaspro and the family, including mental health crises involving the teen, Damien Hurstel, alleged to have carried out the attack. In an altercation earlier in 2023, Casalaspro, reportedly intoxicated, attacked Hurstel and then struck Hurstel's mother. Despite police intervention and instructions for Casalaspro to vacate the premises, he returned, leading to further conflict.
The Cary Avenue neighborhood, characterized by its peaceful tree-lined streets, had observed worrying signs over the years. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted a particularly disturbing event where screams were heard, and a woman was seen injured on the ground.
Reports indicate that the initial domestic violence call in 2021 involved Hurstel's mother reporting Casalaspro's destructive behavior, including brandishing a firearm, which was never located. Casalaspro, who suffered from severe vision loss, leading to disability, also had a criminal past spanning two decades, with charges ranging from drug sales to assault.
Damien Hurstel himself had been the subject of numerous mental health-related emergency calls. His mother reported to 911 that her son had threatened suicide starting in 2022 and had inflicted self-harm.
The repeated domestic disturbances and emergency responses painted a picture of an escalating situation, culminating in the tragic death. Police have since begun an investigation into the fatal incident, examining the history of domestic disputes, mental health concerns, and criminal activity associated with the home.
Neighbors have described an increasingly tense atmosphere, with visible injuries and frequent disturbances. The convergence of domestic complaints and mental health emergencies has spotlighted the risks present in the household prior to the alleged decapitation.
The response to the incident has sparked a broader discussion on the effectiveness of current approaches to domestic violence and mental health crises. A tweet by Megan Martin MD, MPH questions the readiness of social workers to handle such volatile situations and calls for substantial solutions beyond mere rhetoric.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not disclosed further details regarding Hurstel's charges, Casalaspro's medical condition at the time, or the precise timeline of events leading up to the alleged crime. The community and law enforcement are left to grapple with the aftermath and the pressing need for improved intervention strategies.
