In a shocking incident in suburban New York, a man is accused of killing his father using a meat cleaver. The suspect, 47-year-old August Velasco, reportedly attacked his 76-year-old father multiple times with the weapon in their Yonkers home, as per the local police. The motive behind the fatal assault remains unclear.
The victim, identified as Jose Raul Velasco, sustained severe injuries to his head, face, back, and hands. He was declared dead at the scene by the authorities. The police officers who responded to the incident found what they suspect to be the murder weapon in the house.
August Velasco was apprehended on the same day as the incident and has since been detained on a charge of second-degree murder. He was presented before the Yonkers City Court on Wednesday afternoon. His legal aid attorney has requested a psychiatric evaluation, as reported by local news outlet The Journal News/lohud.com.
Yonkers Police Sgt. Frank DiDomizio informed the local press that there were no previous records of domestic violence at the Velasco residence.
Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that it is a tragic event when one person takes the life of another, and the tragedy is magnified when the individuals involved are related. He also commended the police officers and detectives for their swift response and thorough investigation.