SELDEN, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A 15-year-old Long Island boy was indicted for murdering his grandmother and seriously injuring his mother upon hearing their plan to take his laptop away as punishment for cutting class, prosecutors announced Thursday.
The teen is charged with murder, attempted murder and assault after he allegedly stabbed his grandmother 35 times, killing her, and caused his mother severe injury earlier this month.
“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “When a child allegedly turns violent against their own family members, it creates layers of trauma that extend far beyond physical injuries.”
According to the investigation, the teen was arguing with his mother, 36-year-old Vanessa Chendemi, on the night of April 7 in their Selden home after she confronted him about missing classes at school.
The suspect’s grandmother, 56-year-old Concetta Chendemi, told her daughter to take away his computer as punishment, at which point the teen allegedly grabbed a knife and stabbed her.
After assaulting his grandmother, prosecutors said that he turned the knife on his mother. She fell to the ground and played dead, and the teen turned back to his grandmother, continuing to stab her.
Concetta Chendemi died at the scene. After the attack, Vanessa Chendemi ran out of her residence and a passing car stopped and offered assistance, officials said.
She got into the car, called 911 and was transported to an area hospital. Vanessa Chendemi is still recovering from her injuries.
Authorities said that the teen fled the scene but was arrested less than two hours later by canvassing police officers. His identity is being withheld due to his age.
The teen was arraigned on Wednesday and ordered to be remanded during the pendency of the case, prosecutors said.
He is expected back in court on May 21, and if convicted, faces 15 years to life in prison.