Teen Allegedly Stabs Grandmother to Death 35 Times, Mom Plays Dead To Survive

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A Long Island, New York, family is grappling with the loss of two family members after a teen stabbed his grandmother to death. The heinous crime took place after the grandmother, 56-year-old Concetta Chendemi, reportedly instructed her daughter to take away her son’s laptop. The teen, whose name has been withheld because of his age, allegedly became infuriated and tried to attack both women. He went after his grandmother first. He then reportedly turned toward his mother, stabbing her as well. She fell and pretended to be dead. Then he allegedly turned his anger back toward his grandmother. Unfortunately, she did not survive the attack. 

The altercation reportedly was all because of a laptop.

The incident began about 9:40 p.m. on April 7, 2025, according to People. Vanessa Chendemi, the boy’s mother, confronted him about missing classes, and the mother and son began arguing. As a consequence, Concetta Chendemi suggested her daughter take away the 15-year-old’s laptop. The teen reportedly grabbed a knife and stabbed his grandmother before lunging at his mother. According to a statement from Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, Vanessa Chendemi “fell to the ground and played dead,” the magazine reported.

Vanessa Chendemi flagged down a passing car for help after the teen left.

The teen turned back to his grandmother and allegedly stabbed her more than 35 times, according to the New York Post. Afterward, he fled. Once he’d left, the injured Vanessa Chendemi left the house and flagged down a car passing by. The driver let her into the car and she called police. When officers arrived at her home in Selden, Long Island, they found Concetta Chendemi had suffered multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The mother is still in the hospital recovering.

Vanessa Chendemi’s son was arrested later that night. Police charged him with second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, the Post reported. He saw Judge Karen Kerr on Wednesday, and she ordered that he not be given bail. 

If convicted, the boy could serve 15 years to life in prison, according to the Post. He is due back in court on May 21.

“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” Tierney said in a statement, per People. “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.”