A 19-year-old Staten Island man, Damien Hurstel, made his first in-person court appearance today on charges of murdering and decapitating his mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Casalaspro.
Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Hurstel pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include second-degree murder and weapon possession. He remained expressionless throughout the hearing.
Investigators say the killing took place inside the family home, where Hurstel allegedly stabbed Casalaspro, dismembered the body, and later revealed parts of the gruesome scene to his 16-year-old sister, who alerted their mother. Recovery efforts at the scene unearthed the victim’s severed head and tools such as a saw, spoon, and bowl.
Previously, Hurstel was hospitalized with a blood infection and was arraigned via video from a hospital bed. He is now being held in jail under suicide watch while undergoing psychiatric evaluation. His next court date is scheduled for November 20.