A 15-year-old boy from Long Island faces grave accusations after authorities say he fatally stabbed his grandmother and attempted to kill his mother. The tragedy unfolded on Monday night in their Selden residence, as confirmed by the Suffolk County Police Department. The argument, which quickly escalated to violence, was reportedly sparked by a dispute over the teen's computer use and school attendance.
According to CBS News New York, the boy's mother, Vanessa Chendemi, was allegedly threatened to take away her son's computer shortly before the attack ensued. What was discovered on the computer that led to the confrontation remains unclear. Vanessa and her mother, 56-year-old Concetta Chendemi, were both attacked with kitchen knives. Vanessa managed to survive by playing dead and later flagging down a car to seek help, while Concetta was found dead with multiple stab wounds.
Neighbors described Concetta as a hardworking and kind-hearted person, who juggled two jobs to make ends meet. "How do you do that to somebody who breaks their ass to support you, who works two jobs to make ends meet so you have a place to stay, food to eat, and this is how you thank them?" a neighbor told the New York Post.
Officers reportedly found the teenager several blocks away from the home. He was taken into custody and is now charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder. During his court appearance yesterday, the boy wore a white jumpsuit, and hung his head as prosecutors detailed the alleged motive, with his aunt tearfully looking on. Peter Mayer, the defense attorney, emphasized the presumption of innocence, stating: "This is a 15 year old child here, OK? And he is presumed innocent. We have presumption of innocence in America," as reported by CBS News New York. Meanwhile, a local neighbor, DJ Cortez, questioned the teen's mental state, saying, "How could you possibly hurt your grandmother and your mother like that? Obviously, I'm assuming he just wasn't in the right state, like, mentally," according to an interview with CBS News New York.
Vanessa Chendemi is currently being treated for severe wounds, including stabs to the face, arm, back and neck, and is in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. There had been no prior reports of domestic violence in the home, authorities claimed.
