A Staten Island teen, who is reportedly struggling with mental illness, plans to use an insanity defense in the case of his mother’s boyfriend’s decapitation. This was confirmed by his lawyer on Thursday. The 19-year-old, Damian Herstel, is believed to have schizophrenia and was not on any medication during the tragic event.
According to defense attorney Mark Fonte, Herstel lost control as an adult, which means he was no longer under his parents’ guardianship, preventing his mother from mandating medication for him.
“When he’s medicated, he’s a loving child,” Fonte told reporters outside the courtroom. Currently held at a psychiatric facility on Rikers Island, Herstel made a brief court appearance.
“Off medication, he faces serious mental health challenges, including schizophrenia, a history of seizures, and familial mental health issues,” said Fonte.
Herstel reportedly exhibited extreme behavior during the violent incident at their home on Cary Avenue on October 6, 2025, yet his attorney claimed that he has become much calmer since beginning treatment.
The focal point in court will be his mental state during the crime, not his current situation. Fonte emphasized that he is in a better position now than he was at the time of the incident.
Authorities say Herstel is accused of murdering 45-year-old Anthony Casaraspuro with a meat tenderizer because he was curious about taking someone’s life.
Following his arrest, he allegedly confessed to police at the NYPD’s 120th Precinct that he initially attempted to use a knife to decapitate Casaraspuro, but became frustrated and switched to a handsaw.
Reports indicate that the troubled teen intended to dissolve the body using a blender and dispose of it down the toilet, starting with the brain.
At the crime scene, authorities documented a bloody Herstel being restrained on a stretcher as he was taken into custody and moved to a local hospital.
Earlier that day, a disagreement with his mother led to Casaraspuro suggesting Herstel take a walk to gather himself. Upon returning, he found Casaraspuro alone and allegedly launched an attack.
During the hearing, the tall 6-foot Herstel, appearing attentive in his khaki scrubs, smiled upon seeing his uncle and mother, Alicia Zayas, in the audience.
The family chose not to make any statements.
Judge Alexander Chong scheduled the next court date for February 10.
