A Staten Island teen is facing murder charges after police found 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro decapitated in a home in West Brighton. Damien Hurstel, 19, is facing murder and weapon charges, but has no prior criminal history. Authorities are currently investigating the crime and trying to determine whether it was domestic abuse-related.
Decapitation of Staten Island Man
On Monday, October 6, 2025, Anthony Casalaspro was found decapitated inside the bathroom of a West Brighton home near North Burgher Avenue on Staten Island. Hurstel is the alleged decapitator of his mom’s boyfriend. Authorities were first drawn to the scene multiple times in the years prior due to domestic violence.
The dismembered 45-year-old city Department of Sanitation worker had been listed on at least five domestic violence-related calls to 911 from the West Brighton, Staten Island, home since 2021. His most recent attack reported to authorities was in 2023, when a drunk Casalaspro allegedly attacked Hustel before slapping his mom. The alleged attack escalated after cops told him to leave the home, but he returned later in the day.
History of Offenses
Fellow Staten Island street neighbors recounted witnessing some of the incidents, including when Hurstel’s mom broke her leg. “She was screaming,” an unnamed neighbor reported. “I never heard anyone scream like that. She was on the ground, her leg was bent the wrong way. I said, ‘Do you want me to call 911?’ (The boyfriend) said, ‘No, you’re fine, you’re fine.’”
The first alleged incident took place in 2021, when the mother called the cops on her boyfriend and reported he was drunkenly breaking things. She alleged he had a handgun, but officers supposedly never found it; therefore, they are unable to confirm her story. However, Casalaspro has an extensive history of violence and arrests dating back to 2000.
Casalaspro was forced to go on disability due to severe vision loss, and his first reported arrest was in 2000 on suspicion of selling drugs. Other offenses include possessing a gravity knife, assault, and reckless driving. Despite all those arrests, his alleged role in the domestic violence incidents in the Staten Island home is what put it all to rest.
While Hustel does not have a history of criminal activity, he does have multiple marks on his record when it comes to mental health. Apparently, he had multiple mental health calls made to his home. His mother reported to 911 operators that he has threatened his own life since 2022 and has self-harmed. Regarding this horrific murder, Hurstel and his family have declined to comment on it.
Domestic Violence
Ironically, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and was first observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity.” Women are disproportionately affected by violence in intimate relationships, as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men, aged 18 or older, report experiencing it. This number does not account for all the men and women who do not report out of fear of retaliation or not being believed.
Domestic Violence also has a substantial negative impact on children and can lead to problems such as Hurstel’s. It is understandably difficult to leave a situation where your life is already threatened, fearing the worst. However, it could be much worse, but it can also be better than what will happen if you stay. It is better to get out of a bad situation before it gets worse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Confidential. Free. 24/7.
