Staten Island Teen Arrested for Allegedly Killing Stepfather in Home

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 19-year-old Staten Island teenager, Damien Hurstel, has been arrested for allegedly killing his mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Casalaspro, 45, in a gruesome incident on Monday afternoon. The shocking crime reportedly occurred inside their West Brighton home, where a bloody scene unfolded.

Sources say the disturbing events began when Hurstel, who has a history of mental health issues, argued with his mother, Alicia Zayas, prompting Casalaspro to suggest he take a walk to calm down. Upon returning home, Hurstel engaged in an altercation with Casalaspro, which escalated violently.

As police arrived shortly after 4:20 p.m., they found Hurstel exiting the residence with blood on his hands and clothing, while the victim’s body was discovered in a bathtub. The body was reportedly dismembered, with Casalaspro’s head separated from his torso and a knife lodged in the severed head.

Hurstel allegedly admitted to police that he used a meat tenderizer to bludgeon Casalaspro to death. In a chilling confession, he expressed a desire to understand what it felt like to kill someone, according to law enforcement.

Witnesses reported that Hurstel’s younger sister returned home from school to an unsettling scene. She found blood leading to the bathroom and discovered the dismembered body. In shock, she called their mother, who rushed home as neighbors recounted hearing her anguished screams.

Reports reveal that the family had a troubled history, with multiple domestic violence calls to their residence since 2021 involving Casalaspro as the alleged instigator. In the latest incident this year, Casalaspro was accused of drunkenly attacking Hurstel and his mother.

On Tuesday, Hurstel was transported from a precinct to a hospital after suffering a seizure. He is expected to face charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon when arraigned.

This horrific incident caps years of reported domestic strife in the home, and the community is left in disbelief over the violent turn of events.