A 19-year-old from Staten Island, Damien Hurstel, has been charged with the gruesome murder of his mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Casalaspro, 45. Hurstel appeared in Richmond County courtroom on Friday, October 17, 2025, where he pleaded not guilty.
Details of the Crime
The incident reportedly occurred on October 6, 2025, in the family’s West Brighton home. Hurstel is accused of stabbing, beheading, and mutilating Casalaspro, a sanitation worker. Witnesses have described a horrific scene.
Initial Court Appearance
During the arraignment, Hurstel presented an unsettling demeanor, showing little emotion. He wore a rumpled orange jumpsuit and did not speak except to affirm his not guilty plea.
Seven family members were present to witness Hurstel’s court appearance, where he maintained a distant expression. This was his first time in court since the alleged crime.
Chilling Events Unfolding
After the murder, Hurstel allegedly displayed the dismembered body to his 16-year-old sister. The encounter prompted her to flee in fear and call their mother, Alicia Zayas, with the shocking news.
- Hurstel’s sister reported, “Damien killed Anthony, and he doesn’t have a head.”
- Investigators found disturbing evidence at the crime scene, including a severed head in the shower.
Confession and Mental Health Concerns
Law enforcement sources revealed that Hurstel may have confessed to planning to dispose of Casalaspro’s remains using a blender. He reportedly intended to dismember the body further.
Due to his mental health issues, the judge ordered that Hurstel be kept in jail while receiving psychiatric care and monitored for suicide risk. He is scheduled to return to court on November 20, 2025.
The community continues to reel from this tragic event, as family and friends of Anthony Casalaspro grapple with the horrific circumstances surrounding his death. Alicia Zayas has recently declined to comment further following the court hearing.
