A woman accused of fatally stabbing a Long Island man claims she acted in self-defense, asserting that the victim drugged her and attempted to sexually assault her. Kristin Sculley, 22, is charged with second-degree murder in the June 2 stabbing death of Robert Carragher, 28.
According to Sculley's defense attorney, Dennis Lemke, Carragher, who Sculley identified as her long-time drug dealer, provided her with a vape that contained an incapacitating substance. Lemke stated that Sculley woke up to find Carragher attempting to sexually assault her, at which point she grabbed a nearby knife and stabbed him once in the neck. She then reportedly passed out approximately 15 feet away.
The fatal incident occurred in the basement of Carragher's parents' home in Massapequa, where Sculley and Carragher had allegedly arranged to meet. Lemke told a courtroom in Mineola that Sculley has a history of drug addiction, including recent relapse after a stint in rehabilitation.
Prosecutors presented a different account, alleging that Sculley and Carragher had been using drugs together and watching television. They contend that an argument ensued, after which Sculley retrieved a knife from her purse and stabbed Carragher in the neck while he was sleeping. According to investigators, Sculley then hid in a laundry room, covered in blood, while Carragher managed to reach his parents before succumbing to his injuries in his father's arms.
Nassau County Police Detective Lt. George Darienzo stated after Sculley's arrest that she was an acquaintance of the victim and that they had arranged to meet that evening. "The individual died in his father's arms. No family should ever have to bear witness to the sudden killing of their son," Darienzo said.
During a court hearing, Sculley's self-defense claim was met with audible gasps and a shouted accusation of "Liar" from an unidentified individual in the courtroom. Lemke also claimed that Nassau County detectives did not take Sculley to a hospital for a sexual assault examination immediately after she made the allegations, though she was examined at the jail, with defense attorneys awaiting the results.
Sculley was ordered remanded in jail without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 24. She was reportedly seen smiling as she was escorted into court for her arraignment.