A 15-year-old Long Island boy enraged over his computer being taken away stabbed his mom, who then played dead while the teen went on to fatally knife his grandma more than 35 times, authorities said Thursday.
The teen threw his murderous tantrum while arguing with his 36-year-old mom, Vanessa Chendemi, and 56-year-old grandmother, Concetta Chendemi, in the family’s Selden home the night of April 7, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The mom had confronted the teen about missing classes at school, and grandma said the boy’s computer should be taken away as punishment, prosecutors said.
The irate teen, who was not identified, grabbed a knife and first stabbed his grandmother before turning the knife on his mom, according to the DA’s office.
The injured mom fell to the ground and played dead, and the still-armed teen then continued stabbing her mother – more than 35 times in total – before taking off, prosecutors and cops said.
The injured mom stumbled outside and flagged down a passing driver, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
The mom called 911 when the good Samaritan stopped and let her inside the vehicle, cops said.
When cops arrived at the residence at 802 Old Town Road, they found Concetta Chendemi with multiple stab wounds.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, and Vanessa Chendemi was taken to a local hospital, where she continues to recover from her serious injuries.
The boy was arrested later that night and charged with murder and attempted murder, both in the second degree, officials said.
He was arraigned on an indictment before Judge Karen Kerr on Wednesday and ordered held without bail as the case proceeds.
He is due back in court May 21 and could spend 15 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.
“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney said in a statement. “When a child allegedly turns violent against their own family members, it creates layers of trauma that extend far beyond physical injuries. Our office will pursue justice for the victims of these horrific acts.”
