Crime
Damien Hurstel Charged in Fatal Stabbing and Decapitation of His Stepfather Anthony Casalaspro on Staten Island
WEST BRIGHTON, Staten Island — A 19-year-old man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly stabbing his 45-year-old stepfather to death inside their Staten Island home on Monday afternoon.
According to the New York City Police Department, Damien Hurstel, 19, has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the killing of Anthony Casalaspro, 45, his stepfather.
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at 380 Cary Avenue in the West Brighton neighborhood shortly before 4:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Casalaspro unresponsive in the bathtub with multiple stab wounds to his head and neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Hurstel’s sister arrived at the residence around 4:00 p.m. and found blood throughout several rooms before discovering her stepfather’s body in the bathroom. She immediately alerted authorities.
Police sources described the scene as extremely violent, confirming that the victim had sustained severe injuries and that the weapon — a knife — was recovered at the scene.
Hurstel was taken into custody without incident shortly after police arrived. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but investigators are exploring the possibility that the suspect may have a history of mental illness.
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the gruesome nature of the crime.
“This whole world is upside down,” said one longtime resident. “It’s terrible — you don’t do this to another person, not even to an animal.”
Another neighbor, Hugh Nembhard, who has lived across the street for six decades, said the neighborhood has changed in recent years. “I saw the father, but never the stepson,” Nembhard said. “This is a complete shock to me.”
The NYPD’s Homicide Division is leading the investigation.
Authorities continue to process evidence and interview witnesses to determine what led to the fatal stabbing.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Charged With Murder Months After Her Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Brevard County, Fla. — New court filings reveal that Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide in connection with her death, months after she was found deceased aboard a cruise ship during a family vacation.
Anna, a resident of Titusville, was discovered dead in her stateroom on November 7, 2025, while traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to court documents, her body was found under a bed in the cabin.
Filings state that she died from asphyxiation resulting from what was described as a “bar hold.”
Because Anna’s death occurred while the ship was in open water returning to Miami following a weeklong Caribbean cruise, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
On February 20, Thomas Hudson filed an emergency petition in Brevard County seeking sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson.
The child currently resides primarily with Shauntel and her husband, Chris Kepner—Anna’s father.
The petition asserts that there has been a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances” warranting an immediate modification of parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements. The filing references information circulating on social media from the Kepner family indicating that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother was charged with homicide on February 3 by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The document further alleges that newly obtained information may call into question the judgment and parenting decisions within the household.
A law enforcement source confirmed that the 16-year-old appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6.
According to the source, U.S. Marshals escorted the teen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and a public defender appeared before a magistrate judge in a closed hearing.
Following the proceeding, Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner released a statement expressing frustration over the court’s decision to grant the teen release.
“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage,” the statement read in part. “It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.”
The homicide charge marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the location of the alleged crime and the family relationships involved.
Federal authorities continue to handle the prosecution, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains active.