N.Y. Mom Played Dead as 15-Year-Old Son Allegedly Fatally Stabbed Grandmother After Argument Over Laptop
The boy allegedly fatally stabbed his 56-year-old grandmother 35 times.
A 15-year-old boy was indicted for murder, attempted murder and assault by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney on Wednesday, April 16.
Tierney’s office announced on Thursday, April 17, the Long Island teen could face 15 years to life in prison, if convicted, for allegedly stabbing his 56-year-old grandmother, Concetta Chendemi, 35 times.
The teen’s identity has not been released due to his age. He was arrested on Monday, April 7, after allegedly becoming “infuriated” that his mother, Vanessa Chendemi, 36, was going to confiscate his laptop.
A house in Selden, Suffolk County.
At approximately 9:40 p.m. on Monday, April 7, Vanessa confronted her son about missing school classes, but then they argued.
Then, Concetta told her daughter, Vanessa, to take the teen’s computer away as a punishment. The 15-year-old grabbed a knife and stabbed his grandmother.
He then turned the knife on his mother. After Vanessa was stabbed, she “fell to the ground and played dead,” per Tierney’s statement.
The 15-year-old turned back around to his grandmother and continued to stab her.
Suffolk police at the scene.
He allegedly fled the scene, per The New York Post. Vanessa then left the home and flagged a driver down. The driver then let her inside their vehicle, and she called 911.
Authorities arrived at the scene and discovered that Concetta had died. Vanessa was transported to a hospital, and she is still recovering from her injuries.
The teen was arrested later that night. He is due back in court on Wednesday, May 21.
“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” Tierney said in the Thursday, April 17, 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.”
A representative for the Suffolk County Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Thursday.
This tragic event—from a seemingly ordinary family disagreement over a laptop to the devastating loss of life—underscores the fragility of domestic peace and the seriousness of youth violence. It also raises pressing questions about the influence of technology, mental health care for adolescents, and the justice system’s approach to juvenile offenders.
As the Chendemi family mourns, the community demands answers and justice. The upcoming trial will not only determine the teen’s fate but may also spark wider discussions about youth intervention, parental guidance, and the role of digital boundaries in modern households.
