Long Island Son Accused of Killing Parents
In a quiet corner of Bethpage, Long Island, a beloved family-owned deli became the scene of a shocking tragedy that has left the community reeling. On the morning of December 4, 2025, Vito D'Ambrosio, 30, allegedly stabbed his parents, Angela Pulisciano, 62, and Antonio D'Ambrosio, 70, to death inside their A&A Italian Deli. The brutal attack has raised painful questions about what led to this horrific event and whether warning signs were missed.
A Morning Turned Deadly
The day began like any other at A&A Italian Deli, a neighborhood staple where the D'Ambrosio family had served the community for more than three decades. But shortly after 9 a.m., the deli's familiar warmth was shattered by violence. According to Nassau County Police, Vito reportedly entered the deli and headed to a back room, where he allegedly stabbed his mother in the throat before turning the knife on his father.
According to NBC New York, Witnesses reportedly described a chilling scene. One customer recalled seeing Vito walk out of the back room and allegedly confess calmly to stabbing his parents before police arrived. Another witness claimed that Vito was found outside the deli with blood on his hands and clothing, leaning against his car in a state of shock or detachment.
A Family Torn Apart
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Vito was reportedly estranged from his family at the time of the attack. Court records reveal that in November, just weeks before the killings, a judge had granted a protection order against him following a domestic dispute with a sibling, as reported by PEOPLE. This estrangement suggests a family already struggling with internal conflicts, though the full extent of these tensions remains unclear.
Police also reported that earlier that morning, Vito had been involved in another disturbing incident at a local coffee shop, where he allegedly "slapped the buttocks" of a female clerk, as reported by PEOPLE, citing CBS. This behavior, occurring shortly before the fatal attack, adds another layer of concern about his state of mind leading up to the tragedy.
At the time of his arrest, Vito was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor related to a separate incident, a detail that adds context to his recent legal troubles.
The Community's Grief and Questions
For more than 30 years, Tony and Angela D'Ambrosio had been fixtures in the Bethpage community, known not just for their deli but for their warmth and dedication. Customers reportedly described them as humble, hardworking people who treated everyone like family. The deli was more than a business — it was a gathering place where neighbors connected over coffee and sandwiches.
In the wake of the killings, the community has rallied to support the surviving family members, organizing fundraisers to help with funeral expenses. Yet, amid the mourning, there is a palpable sense of shock and disbelief. How could such a loving family be torn apart so violently? Were there signs that something was wrong? And what snapped in Vito that morning?
A Troubled Mind and Legal Proceedings
Vito D'Ambrosio was reportedly hospitalized following the attack and is set to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges and is scheduled to appear in court soon. The legal process will undoubtedly explore his mental state and the circumstances leading up to the killings.
This case highlights the complex intersection of family dynamics, mental health, and violence. It forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about how estrangement and unresolved conflicts can escalate and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.
Remembering Tony and Angela
While the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the memory of Angela Pulisciano and Antonio D'Ambrosio lives on in the hearts of those who knew them. Their deli was a labor of love, built with dedication and humility, and their legacy is one of kindness and community spirit.
In the end, this tragedy is not just about a crime but about a family's unraveling and a community's loss. It challenges us to look deeper into the signs of distress around us and to act with compassion and urgency.
References: Man, 30, Accused of Fatally Stabbing His Parents at Family's Long Island Deli | Couple stabbed to death at their Long Island deli - NBC New York | Bethpage double stabbing: Estranged son stabbed and killed his parents at A&A Italian Deli on Long Island, police say - ABC7 New York
