West Brighton, Staten Island – A routine afternoon turned into a scene of horror when a stepdaughter walked into her home to find blood everywhere and her stepfather, Anthony Casalaspro, 45, lifeless in the bathtub. The shocking discovery has left the neighborhood reeling and authorities investigating the gruesome crime.

Police report that Casalaspro had suffered multiple stab wounds to his head and neck inside his West Brighton residence. The 911 call came in just before 4:30 p.m., and officers arrived to find the knife still embedded in the victim’s body. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The suspect, Damien Hurstel, 19, was arrested without incident. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Hurstel faces charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The weapon used in the attack was recovered at the scene and is now part of the ongoing investigation.

According to authorities, Casalaspro’s 16-year-old stepdaughter returned home around 4 p.m. and followed a trail of blood through several rooms before finding her stepfather’s body in the bathroom. She immediately contacted emergency services, initiating the swift police response.

The brutal nature of the killing has shocked the local community. Sources indicate that the attack was not only fatal but unusually savage, with reports confirming that the victim was decapitated. Investigators are now meticulously reviewing the scene to understand how such a violent act unfolded in a seemingly quiet neighborhood.

Authorities are also examining the suspect’s mental health history as part of their investigation. Some reports suggest Hurstel may have had previous psychiatric issues, though the full extent remains unclear. Officials are attempting to piece together what may have led to the fatal confrontation.

Neighbors expressed disbelief and sorrow over the incident. Longtime resident Hugh Nembhard, who has lived across the street for decades, described the event as “a complete shock,” emphasizing that such violence was unthinkable in their close-knit community. Others echoed the sentiment, struggling to comprehend the severity of the crime.

The NYPD Homicide Division is overseeing the investigation, combing through physical evidence and conducting interviews with potential witnesses. The goal is to establish a clear timeline and determine the exact circumstances that led to Casalaspro’s death.

Hurstel was taken into custody at the scene, showing little visible emotion, according to police reports. He was later seen being escorted from the precinct in a blood-soaked protective suit. Authorities say he is expected to be arraigned soon, though proceedings were briefly delayed due to a reported medical episode.

This tragic incident has left the West Brighton community in mourning. Officials urge anyone with additional information to come forward to aid the investigation. In the wake of the tragedy, neighbors, friends, and family alike are grappling with the shock of losing Anthony Casalaspro in such a violent and unexpected manner.