STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Damien Hurstel of West Brighton, the 19-year-old suspect in a grisly decapitation slaying in his home, was arraigned virtually on Wednesday afternoon.
Hurstel appeared in Criminal Court in St. George via a video feed from his room at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.
He was arraigned on a murder charge in connection with the death of Anthony Casalaspro, 45, his mother’s boyfriend.
Here are the key developments from the arraignment:
He was ordered remanded without bail;His attorney, Mark Fonte, pleaded not guilty on his behalf.
Here is how the proceeding unfolded:
3:04 p.m: Defendant appears on screen
Hurstel appeared on a TV screen in the courtroom from his hospital room. He was visible on the screen from the waist up.
He was motionless in the bed during the appearance.
When asked if he’s spoken to his attorney about the case, he responded “um, yeah.”
He answered “yes” to other routine questions from the judge.
3:07 p.m.: Prosecutors request remand
Prosecutors asked the judge for the defendant to be remanded without bail as he awaits further appearances.
Judge Biju Koshy agreed remand was appropriate in this case.
3:09 p.m.: Enters not guilty plea
The defendant’s attorney, Fonte, who was in the courtroom, entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf.
He asked for medical and psychiatric attention for Hurstel and requested that his client be placed on suicide watch.
The judge adjourned the case until Friday, Oct. 10.
The brief hearing was concluded.
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