NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On the morning of Thursday, November 24, a Long Island man was apprehended following a fatal stabbing incident in New York City, where one teenager lost his life and another sustained injuries, as reported by the New York Police Department.
Gianluca Bordone, aged 19, is now charged with manslaughter and assault in connection with the deadly encounter.
According to a statement by the authorities, a dispute occurred between a 17-year-old boy named Rocco Rodden and a 19-year-old man and another group, resulting in an attack in front of 96 Lafayette St in Chinatown around 1:50 am.
As per the New York Post, sources close to law enforcement revealed that the incident took place outside Live Axe, an axe-throwing bar, where the teenagers had participated in a private party, according to information from police and prosecutors.
The authorities did not specify how the altercation between the two groups began, and there was no confirmation that the teens were inside the bar.
Where were the victims stabbed?
The statement from the police mentioned that both individuals were stabbed in the torso, but the type of weapon used was not specified.
Sources informed the outlet that the sharp object used in the stabbing was not an axe.
Rodde, a junior at Saint Joseph Regional High School, a private Catholic school in Montvale, NJ, was reported to be in critical condition and was transported to Bellevue Hospital by EMS, where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to WABC-TV.
An autopsy revealed that he succumbed to a fatal 6-inch stab wound, with the knife penetrating the left ventricle of his heart, as stated by Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eun Bi Kim.
Second victim is in stable condition following the stabbing incident
The 19-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was stabbed and transported to the same medical facility. He is reported to be in stable condition, as per information from the police provided to the outlet.
WPIX reported that the man sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Post mentioned that the two victims stabbed were brothers.
Following the incident, the police cordoned off the area with crime scene tape, and several officers were observed walking around the vicinity, collecting evidence, as shown in video footage obtained by WABC-TV.
Numerous individuals were detained by law enforcement; however, as reported by WABC-TV and WPIX, no arrests were made. The motives for the stabbing have not been reported.
Police said that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Bordone tried to flee by approaching a car
The baby-faced Bordone wore a black sweatshirt with the word “courage” stretched across the back for his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court early Saturday morning.
Upon hearing the prosecutor announce Rodden's death, Bordone quietly mouthed "Oh my god" in response.
The deadly altercation ensued after the conclusion of the private party, with the group bringing the remaining alcohol onto the street, where they "continued to drink and socialize," as stated by Kim during the arraignment. "During this altercation, the defendant stabbed the 17-year-old in the chest."
Subsequently, he proceeded to slash the 19-year-old brother across the torso, resulting in a significant laceration," Kim stated.
Bordone attempted to escape by approaching a car and "then by approaching a party bus and attempting to talk his way inside," the prosecutor revealed.
Ultimately, he climbed into a cab and rendezvoused with four friends who were also engaged in the altercation at Bowery and Canal, just a third of a mile away from where the violence reportedly occurred.
Rodden’s father said he was left 'broken inside'
Rodden’s father said he was left “broken inside” by the death of his son.
“I have no words that he was murdered in cold blood.!! Life will never be the same without him,” he wrote on social media.
His friends grieved the loss of Rodden, describing him as a loyal and adventurous companion.
On Instagram, a friend expressed, “Every time My Way would come on the speakers you would talk about how that is the song you want at your funeral, We just never thought it would be this soon.”
Rodden played football at his school, which is known to have a powerhouse program.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our own, Rocco Rodden," the school conveyed in a post on Facebook on Friday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Rocco’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
