US teen decapitates mother’s boyfriend, confesses plan to blend body

Casalaspro was found with multiple stab wounds to the neck and head, which had been removed with a hacksaw. Hurstel allegedly told police the attack followed an argument with his mother, Alicia Zayas.

Police say the crime scene was one of the most gruesome they’ve encountered — Casalaspro’s severed head was found beside his body in a shower, with a spoon and saw nearby.

The victim’s decapitated body was discovered by Hurstel’s 16-year-old sister, who arrived home to the gruesome scene. Hurstel allegedly told his sister he “did something bad” and tried to prevent her from seeing the body.

She called her mother, saying: “Damien killed Anthony, and he doesn’t have a head.” Zayas arrived after first responders. Neighbours described the mother as screaming, crying, and vomiting in shock.

Hurstel was led out of the house in blood-stained clothing, including a black hoodie, sweatpants, and Timberland boots. Onlookers described him as calm and seemingly relieved as he followed officers to a patrol car.

Hurstel is expected to be charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Sources told The Post that Hurstel has a history of mental illness and is believed to be schizophrenic. Casalaspro, a retired employee of New York’s Department of Sanitation, had been forced to go on disability due to severe vision loss. He had been in a relationship with Alicia Zayas for nearly six years, and friends say the couple had a complicated relationship with the children.

Zayas blames the tragedy on years of mishandled psychiatric care. She said doctors abruptly changed her son’s medication earlier this year, discontinuing his long-term antipsychotic, Depakote, without warning her.

Once Damien turned 18, privacy laws prevented her from accessing his medical records. “I didn’t even know what doctors he was seeing,” she said. “Every morning I reminded him to take his meds. He said he was, but I’m not sure anymore.”

Damien’s mental health struggles began at six, after his father went to prison. At 13, following sexual abuse by another student, he was diagnosed with PTSD and major depression. He hallucinated, drew disturbing images, and was twice hospitalized after suicide attempts.

“I’m devastated,” Zayas said. “My son wasn’t like this before. He was a good boy. Something went terribly wrong.”