Staten Island Man Found Decapitated; Stepson in Custody

A 45-year-old man was found decapitated in his Staten Island home yesterday, and his 19-year-old stepson has been taken into custody in connection with the killing.

Police responded to a Cary Avenue residence in West Brighton after 4 p.m. on Monday, where the victim’s sister discovered the body in a bathtub. Authorities found a knife still in the victim’s neck. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in New York City.

The stepson, whose name has not been released, was arrested at the location but has not yet been formally charged, according to police sources. His mother has stated he has a history of mental illness. A neighbor, Hugh Nembhard, who has lived in the area for 60 years, expressed shock, stating, “I’m not familiar with the stepson. I never saw him. I saw the father, but never the stepson. I don’t know what to make of it. This is a shock to me. The neighborhood has changed.” You can find more information about New York City Police Department resources here.

Another neighbor reacted to the killing, saying, “This whole world is upside down. This is like a terrible, horrible, to do this to a person you know not even to an animal, you don’t do that.” Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources for mental health support.

Police have not released further details at this time and are continuing their investigation.