Staten Island Neighborhood Shocked By Brutal Domestic Murder
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Neighbors in Staten Island were shocked and stunned Monday, a day after a woman was beaten to death, and her husband was charged with the crime, allegedly all because he suspected her of cheating him.
As CBS 2's Tony Aiello reported, Gregory Surinaga, 45, was charged Sunday with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of his wife, Jodi Surinaga, 42. The couple lived in the 100 block of Beechwood Place in Castleton Corners, Staten Island.
On Monday afternoon, the quiet neighborhood of Castleton Corners, Staten Island, was shattered by the violent murder.
"She would come outside, she would talk to us, you know, say hello, like everything was just fine," said neighbor Jackie Lutz. "But it's really devastating."
At the rowhouse where the Surinagas lived, police removed bags of evidence, including the baseball bat that Gregory Surinaga allegedly used to beat his wife Sunday morning.
Gregory Surinaga is a retired FDNY mechanic.
Sources said Surinaga flew into a murderous rage after becoming convinced of his wife's infidelity.
"It's really troubling that this happened; this shouldn't happen to anyone, really," said neighbor Elvira Rinaldis, "with an affair or without an affair, really."
The couple married young, and just 12 days before the horrific crime, had marked their 20th wedding anniversary.
Police said their teenage children were home during the attack. Their daughter called 911.
"We feel really bad for them, just what's going on in their head and stuff," Lutz said. "It's hard, you know.
On Facebook, daughter Angelica Surinaga, 18, posted a thank-you message for support from family and friends.
"I want to thank everyone that has reached out to me and my family during this time," she wrote, adding, "I really don't know what else to say, I miss my mom so much already, she was my best friend and I love her so much."
Neighbors described Gregory Surinaga as friendly and helpful, and said just days ago, he had decorated the house for the holidays.
Police said after killing his wife, Gregory Surinaga took several pills in an effort to commit suicide.
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