SOMERS, NEW YORK: In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Dr Krystal Cascetta, a 40-year-old hematology-oncology specialist at Mount Sinai, allegedly shot her infant daughter before turning the gun on herself in their upscale home located in Somers, Westchester County, New York. The incident occurred around 7 am on Saturday, August 5, leaving the close-knit neighborhood in disbelief.
The tragedy has raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the horrifying incident, especially considering the revelation that the police and ambulances had been called to the couple's $1 million home on multiple occasions prior to the incident. According to neighbors, police and emergency services were summoned to the residence at least twice during the summer months. The exact reasons for these visits remain unclear. One neighbor, Bob Stuart, 71, told the New York Post, "They had ambulances and police come to their house two, maybe three times this summer. At least twice, I saw the police and ambulances arrive." The neighbors expressed their surprise at the tragic outcome, stating that Dr Cascetta and her husband, Tim Talty, 37, were "very nice but also ultra-private."
Who are Dr Krystal Cascetta's parents?
There is no information released at this time about Cascetta’s parents, other than the fact that they were present in the home when the incident unfolded, police told The Journal News. The couple's next-door neighbor, Brad Stuart, 47, recalled the commotion that disrupted the early morning tranquility of the neighborhood. "Our dog Bruno just started going bananas at 6.45. I woke up to the dog freaking out, and I figured he really had to go out, so I took him out for a walk, and that’s when the police and the EMS, and everybody rolled up." The responding officers found the door to the baby's room locked. After breaking down the door, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Dr Cascetta and her infant daughter. State Trooper Steven Nevel stated, "We know, 100 per cent, without a doubt, that it was a murder-suicide."
Krystal Cascetta's husband, Tim Talty, was reportedly away at the time of the incident. The couple's slain baby, born around March, was their only child. The couple was known to be extremely private, with neighbors admitting they had no knowledge of Dr Cascetta's pregnancy. Betsy Stuart, 71, another neighbor, revealed, "They came over and introduced themselves when they moved in about two years ago, and then we never heard from them again. We didn’t even know she was pregnant." Professional cleaning crews were observed at the property on Sunday, August 6, as investigators continued to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
A community in mourning
Friends, patients, and colleagues of Dr Cascetta took to social media to express their sorrow and disbelief. Kambri Crews wrote, "A shocking & terrible tragedy. She was a star in her field, dedicated and lovely, whip-smart and a competitive athlete." The exact motivations behind this tragic incident remain a mystery. Despite the social media posts depicting a seemingly idyllic and successful life, the true nature of the struggles Dr Cascetta might have been facing remains unknown.
Dr Cascetta attended Albany Medical College, where she received recognition for her compassion toward patients. Her husband's company, Talty Bars, acknowledged her significant contribution as an adviser, lending her medical background to develop a healthy product. In an emotional tribute, Tim Talty wrote, "When Krystal was in 8th grade, her mother’s best friend passed away from breast cancer. It was this life-altering event that helped Krystal decide that Medical Oncology would be her specialty."
