Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK: Francesco "Frank" Pompilii, 81, sustained stab wounds to his neck and body while at a neighbor's residence located at 43 Sunnyside Terrace, Staten Island, on Friday, September 22, according to the police.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at approximately 4.40 pm and discovered three men at the scene, all bearing injuries and stab wounds.
Francesco 'Frank' Pompilii's critical condition and subsequent death
A critically injured Francesco Pompilii was rushed to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was later pronounced dead.
Another victim, Redzep Cobaj, 78, who also sustained multiple stab wounds, was initially in serious condition but has since stabilized. Additionally, Skender Cobaj, 51, who had lacerations to his hands, was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Law enforcement took a 57-year-old man into custody and recovered a knife from the location. However, no formal charges have been filed, and an ongoing investigation is underway, as per silive.com
The stabbings of the three victims have deeply affected the neighborhood, prompting shocked residents to offer support to their grieving locals with flowers and food.
"Everybody’s confused," said one resident, who knew both Pompilii and the suspect, adding, "We didn’t sleep last night. … It’s heartbreaking."
The local stated Pompilii "never harmed a fly," expressing, "He was always smiling, saying hello. Who would harm a man like that?"
Suspected attacker was friendly with Francesco 'Frank' Pompilii
According to a neighbor, Francesco Pompilii, Redzep Cobaj, and the presumed attacker often engaged in conversations.
"They were always hanging out and talking. I don’t know what they were talking about but they knew each other very well," noted the resident, adding, "They always have some conversation, the two old guys and the younger guy," as per the New York Post.
The neighbor would greet the suspected murderer, who previously possessed a local pizzeria, but "he never answered back. I don’t think he was friendly with anyone else but" Pompilii.
"Frank was friendly to everyone. He was the nicest man you could ever meet – very kind very generous, always a smile on his face," said the person.
Francesco Pompilii immigrated to the US as a teenager
Francesco Pompilii's background revealed that he was born in Abruzzo, Italy, and immigrated to the US at the age of 17.
He attended Curtis High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he became certified as a fashion clothing cutter supervisor.
The octogenarian spent 22 years as a supervisor for making and cutting band uniforms at Uniforms By Ostwald in New Brighton, followed by a decade at Albilt Uniforms in The Bronx.
He and his wife, Doreen, enjoyed over 50 years of marriage and had two children and six grandchildren.
Police continued their presence at the house, located on a serene residential street near the intersection of Clove Road and Howard Avenue. Sunnyside Terrace remained partially cordoned off as authorities conducted their investigation.
A witness in the area recounted the chaos during the incident, while neighbors shared their sorrow over the loss of Pompilii, describing him as a generous and caring neighbor who was always willing to help.
