A gruesome discovery has shocked residents of Staten Island, New York, after police found a headless body inside a family home, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old man now charged with second-degree murder.
Authorities say officers responded to a 911 call late Sunday evening at a residence on Katan Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of an adult male in the basement of the home. Investigators believe the victim was a close friend of the suspect’s mother, who also lived at the property.
Police sources revealed that the victim had suffered severe blunt-force trauma before being decapitated. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released publicly, was found at the scene covered in blood and was taken into custody without resistance.
Neighbors described the family as quiet and private, saying the shocking nature of the crime had left the community stunned. “We never saw any trouble from that house,” said one local resident. “It’s hard to imagine something like this happening here.”
Detectives are still working to determine a motive behind the attack, and the NYPD Crime Scene Unit remained at the house for several hours collecting evidence. The body was transported to the city medical examiner’s office for autopsy.
The suspect is currently being held at Rikers Island pending arraignment, and authorities say additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the crime, calling it a “disturbing reminder of the importance of mental health support and early intervention.”
