A West Brighton residence became the scene of repeated police visits for domestic violence before culminating in a shocking alleged murder.

Law enforcement officials responded to at least five domestic violence incidents at the Cary Avenue home beginning in 2021, according to New York Post sources. The calls preceded the alleged decapitation of 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro by Damien Hurstel, his girlfriend's son.

Casalaspro, a city Department of Sanitation worker, was identified as the alleged aggressor in all five domestic violence reports. The disturbing pattern of violence spanned multiple years before the fatal incident occurred.

History of Alleged Domestic Incidents

The most recent domestic violence call occurred in 2023 when Casalaspro allegedly attacked Hurstel while intoxicated. Sources said he also slapped the teenager's mother during the same incident.

Police had ordered the inebriated man to leave the residence earlier that day. He returned to the home despite the warning, leading to the altercation, according to law enforcement sources.

The 2021 incident that initiated the documented pattern involved Casalaspro allegedly destroying property while drunk. The victim reported he possessed a handgun during the incident, though officers never located the weapon.

Neighbors Witnessed Disturbing Events

Residents of the tree-lined street recalled witnessing troubling scenes from the household. One neighbor described a particularly harrowing incident in which Hurstel's mother sustained a broken leg.

The unnamed neighbor recounted hearing screams unlike anything previously experienced. The woman lay on the ground with her leg visibly bent at an unnatural angle, the witness said.

When the neighbor offered to call emergency services, Casalaspro reportedly declined the assistance. He repeatedly assured the injured woman she would be fine without medical intervention.

Criminal History and Mental Health Concerns

Casalaspro maintained a criminal record dating to 2000 when authorities arrested him for suspected drug sales. His subsequent offenses included possessing a gravity knife in 2015 and charges related to assault and reckless driving in 2020.

The sanitation worker had been placed on disability due to severe vision impairment, according to a close friend. Despite his physical limitations, the pattern of alleged domestic violence continued at the residence.

Hurstel also prompted mental health-related emergency calls to the home beginning in 2022. His mother contacted authorities, reporting suicide threats and self-harm incidents, including multiple cuts to his hands, sources confirmed.

Lessons to Learn

1. Domestic violence often worsens over time. Households where violence is repeated over months or years can become increasingly dangerous. It is critical for those facing repeated abuse to seek help through law enforcement, legal protections, or community services before situations escalate further.

2. Mental health support is essential in crisis-prone homes. When a household includes individuals with histories of trauma or psychological distress, intervention must address more than just physical violence. Ongoing mental health services and therapy may help prevent tragic outcomes, even in complicated family dynamics.

3. Be aware, but don’t blame the victim. While these lessons are valuable, crime can happen to anyone, and no preventive measure guarantees safety. It is important not to assign blame to victims, but instead support systemic improvements so vulnerable individuals can get the help they need.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the intersection of domestic violence, mental health, and lapses in systemic protection that can have deadly consequences. It also underscores the importance of intervention when early signs of danger are repeatedly reported. For communities across New York City and beyond, the tragedy in West Brighton sends a chilling reminder of what can happen without sufficient resources, protection, and awareness.

Conclusion

Damien Hurstel is accused of decapitating his mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Casalaspro, inside a Staten Island residence where emergency services had been called repeatedly for domestic violence and mental health episodes. Police had previously removed a drunken Casalaspro from the home earlier the same day, only for him to return later. Casalaspro, who had a lengthy criminal history and was on disability, was involved in a pattern of violent behavior that spanned several years. Hurstel, who also struggled with mental health issues, was taken from the crime scene covered in blood. Neighbors admitted to seeing signs of long-term abuse, including one incident where Hurstel’s mother suffered a serious leg injury.