A family-run deli in Long Island became the scene of a grisly tragedy on Thursday morning when police say a 30-year-old man fatally stabbed both of his parents following a violent altercation.

Authorities in Nassau County say Vito Dambrosio is responsible for killing his mother, Angela Pulisciano, 62, and father, Antonio Dambrosio, 70, inside the A&A Italian Deli on Hicksville Road, where the parents had worked for decades, as ABC7 reports.

The fatal attack occurred on Dec. 4, shortly after 9 a.m., when Dambrosio visited the family business in Bethpage. According to police, the argument quickly escalated, ending with Dambrosio stabbing his mother first and then his father. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dambrosio, who had been living away from his family, was still present when law enforcement arrived. Authorities noted that his hands and clothing were stained with blood. He was taken into custody and later hospitalized due to injuries that have not been fully detailed.

Earlier that morning, investigators say Dambrosio went to a local coffee shop and slapped a female employee prior to heading to the deli. It is unclear if that incident is being investigated as related to the events at the family’s deli. Police continue to piece together the events of the morning to determine what led to the outburst of violence.

History of Conflict Precedes Tragedy

Law enforcement revealed that Dambrosio had a history of domestic issues, including a recent dispute with a sibling in November that resulted in an order of protection being granted. This sibling, whose identity has not been disclosed, had not been in contact with Dambrosio since that time. Friends of the family report that tensions had been mounting in recent months.

The estrangement appears to have created a deep divide between Dambrosio and the rest of the family. He had not been regularly present at A&A Italian Deli in recent weeks. Although he had previously helped out at the deli, he had since grown distant, particularly following the most recent protection order filed against him.

As of Friday afternoon, Dambrosio remains hospitalized and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Officials indicated that a bedside arraignment is expected to take place later in the day, pending his medical condition. No formal charges had been announced by press time, but prosecutors are preparing for a criminal case.

Community Mourns Long-Respected Business Owners

A&A Italian Deli has been a cornerstone of the Bethpage community for more than three decades, serving generations of families. The stabbing has left many residents in shock, and mourners have continued to visit the closed storefront, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten expressions of sympathy on the sidewalk.

With both Angela Pulisciano and Antonio Dambrosio known for their friendliness and dedication, their loss has been deeply felt across the neighborhood. Several customers who knew the couple spoke of their kindness and the warmth they showed to everyone who walked in the door.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral costs and support family members devastated by the crime. Within 24 hours, the campaign had already raised thousands of dollars, thanks to an outpouring of support from customers and community members.

A Scene Marked by Sudden and Brutal Violence

Officers arriving at the scene found a chilling sight inside the deli. In addition to the victims, police described Dambrosio as unresponsive but conscious, with blood on his hands and shirt. He was quickly placed under arrest and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when Dambrosio will be moved from medical care to court custody, but they emphasized that every precaution is being taken given the severity of the attack and his prior behavioral issues. No one else was harmed during the incident.

Officials are also looking into possible surveillance footage from the deli and surrounding businesses to reconstruct the moments leading up to the fatal confrontation. Investigators hope video evidence will help clarify what led to the argument and if there were any warning signs missed beforehand.

Lessons to Learn

While it’s impossible to predict every act of violence, this tragedy does highlight important safety considerations:

1. Take domestic threats seriously. If disputes escalate to violence or protective orders, it’s important to maintain boundaries and remain alert. Even in family settings, threats should never be dismissed as “personal matters.”

2. Community connections matter. The tragedy reveals how deeply a violent event can affect an entire neighborhood. Supporting victims’ families and recognizing warning signs in someone's behavior can make a difference before harm occurs.

3. Mental health and intervention are crucial tools. Early psychiatric help and intervention for individuals showing signs of emotional instability can prevent escalating harm. However, it's important to remember that even the most cautious and proactive approaches cannot eliminate all risks, and victims are never to blame for the violence inflicted upon them.

Why This Story Matters

This heartbreaking case has shaken an entire community and ended the lives of two respected small business owners. It prompts urgent conversations about the importance of addressing domestic instability and mental health needs before tragedy occurs.

The story also serves as a reminder of the sorrow left behind when families are torn apart by violence.