Brentwood, NY – A quiet Long Island neighborhood was shaken Tuesday evening after a 33-year-old man allegedly stabbed his mother to death inside their shared home, located directly across from North Elementary School. Authorities confirmed that the mother, 59-year-old Melida Velasquez, was found deceased with multiple knives at the scene.
Neighbor Describes Disturbing Scene
Neighbors recounted a harrowing discovery. One resident told Long Island,
“They found her upstairs with knives, a bunch of knives sticking out of her and she’s dead.”
The neighbor added that Velasquez had just returned from El Salvador last week, making the tragedy even more shocking for the tight-knit community. Another neighbor, who did not know Velasquez personally, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the crime:
“I’ve been here 20 years. We’ve never had anything like this. I never thought something like this could happen.”
Arrest and Charges
Police identified the suspect as Jason Kurumoglu, 33, who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to his mother’s death. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday at Suffolk County District Court, where he will be formally arraigned.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a potential motive or circumstances leading up to the slaying. Investigators continue to examine the scene and gather evidence, according to law enforcement sources.
Community Response and School Safety
The incident occurred just hours after school let out for the day, prompting immediate concern from parents and local residents. Brentwood Superintendent of Schools Wanda Ortiz-Rivera issued a statement to assure families that the investigation did not affect students or staff:
“We are aware of a police investigation taking place near North Elementary School. Please be assured that the incident is unrelated to the school, and all students and staff are safe. The school remains open and operating on a normal schedule. We remain in contact with law enforcement and will provide updates if necessary.”
Despite the proximity to the school, authorities emphasized that students were never in danger and that operations continued as usual.
Memorials and Community Grief
Velasquez’s passing has resonated throughout Brentwood. Her church memorialized her in a Facebook post, calling her a “beloved sister” who will be “deeply missed by her church family and all who knew her.” Friends and neighbors described her as a kind and quiet presence in the community, adding to the shock of the violent event.
The typically peaceful Long Island neighborhood has struggled to process the tragedy. Residents described the area as usually quiet and safe, noting that violent crimes of this nature are extremely rare.
“I never thought something like this could happen in our neighborhood,” one resident said.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the case. Details regarding Kurumoglu’s motive, any prior warnings, or signs of domestic issues have not been released. The Suffolk County District Court will handle the arraignment proceedings, and updates are expected as the case progresses.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed. They also encouraged residents to reach out to local support services if needed, given the traumatic nature of the incident for the community, especially students and families at North Elementary School.
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