Police in New York have arrested a 19-year-old man after a 45-year-old was found decapitated inside a Staten Island home on Monday afternoon, stepson is taken into custody. The victim, identified by neighbors as a longtime resident of the West Brighton area, reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds to his head and neck before being found in a bathtub.
Sister discovers gruesome scene
Authorities say the victim’s sister arrived at the family’s home on Cary Avenue around 4:00 p.m. and found blood throughout the house. Inside the bathroom, she discovered her brother’s body in the bathtub.
Police received a 911 call shortly after 4:30 p.m., according to ABC 7. When officers arrived, they found the victim with severe head and neck wounds and a knife resting on his neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators confirmed that the victim had been decapitated, calling the case one of the most disturbing incidents the precinct has handled this year.
Stepson taken into custody
The 19-year-old stepson of the victim was taken into custody soon after the discovery. Officials said he had no prior criminal record, though police sources told The New York Post he has a history of mental illness.
According to initial reports, the suspect allegedly told his younger sister that he had “done something bad” when she returned home from school, leading to the police call.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the suspect remained in custody awaiting formal charges.
Victim was a DSNY worker on disability
Neighbors identified the victim as a former Department of Sanitation (DSNY) employee who had been placed on disability leave due to severe vision loss. According to The New York Post, he had recently purchased a truck for his girlfriend shortly before his death.
One neighbor, Hugh Nembhard, told Eyewitness News that the victim had lived in the same home for six decades and was well known in the community.
“I’m not familiar with the stepson. I never saw him,” Nembhard said. “I saw the father, but never the stepson. I don’t know what to make of this. This is a shock to me. The neighborhood has changed.”
Another resident described the killing as “horrific,” adding that the community was shaken by the level of violence involved.
History of family disputes
According to The New York Post, the family had a history of domestic disputes, though no recent incidents were officially reported to police.
Authorities have not released the names of either the victim or the suspect as the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are working to determine what led to the violent attack, with mental health reportedly being a key line of inquiry.
Investigation ongoing
Police have not yet confirmed a motive in the killing. Forensic teams were seen working late into the evening on Monday, collecting evidence from the residence.
The suspect is expected to undergo a psychological evaluation, law enforcement sources said. Authorities are urging the public to respect the family’s privacy as they continue to investigate.
