An 11-month-old boy has been orphaned after his mother was found stabbed to death in their Queens home and his father was discovered hanged in a nearby park, according to reports. Authorities are investigating the events, which have not been formally classified as a murder-suicide.
Mary Golding, 34, was discovered in the couple’s basement apartment in Astoria shortly after midnight on Tuesday with a stab wound to her back. A knife was reportedly still lodged in her back at the scene. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Her husband, Joseph Azzarato, 33, was found hanging from a tree in Astoria Park around six hours later. His death is being investigated as an apparent suicide. Investigators reportedly believe Azzarato killed Golding following an argument before fleeing the home.
The couple’s infant son was found unharmed inside the apartment. Golding’s parents have since taken the child into their care, according to neighbors.
Azzarato was identified as a person of interest before his body was discovered. Footage obtained by a newspaper allegedly showed Azzarato outside the building speaking on his cellphone before driving away. He was found approximately two miles from the family’s residence.
Golding and Azzarato had moved into the apartment about two months prior. Both reportedly worked in the film industry, with Golding believed to have been a set decorator. Police had not previously been called to the couple’s home. Neighbors reported that Azzarato had a temper and arguments over parking spaces.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.