A man was shot dead by police on Mother’s Day after he allegedly ignored orders to stop a knife attack that left his disabled mother with 40 stab wounds
A Mother’s Day nightmare saw a wheelchair-bound woman left fighting for her life after her son allegedly stabbed her dozens of times before being gunned down by police. Steven Eastwood, 28, was shot dead by officers in the Hamptons, on New York’s Long Island, on Sunday afternoon as he carried out a violent assault on his elderly parent, authorities said.
The victim, who was stabbed more than 40 times, is currently fighting for her life in a local hospital. Meanwhile, the three officers involved in the shooting are said to have been left “very shook” by the events.
Southampton Police Chief James Kiernan told reporters on Monday that the house had a dark history. He said: “There have been numerous incidents at this address over the last decade.”
Describing the moment the officers used lethal force, Kiernan added: “Faced with an ongoing, deadly assault, officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Eastwood and immediately stopping the attack.”
The New York Post reports that the horror began at approximately 2.45 p.m. in the village of Northampton. The victim first called 911 to report that her son was intoxicated and behaving violently.
A second, more frantic call followed shortly after, with the mother informing dispatchers that Eastwood was now brandishing a knife.
When police arrived at the Toppings Path Drive property, they were met with a scene of pure carnage. Eastwood was reportedly standing over his blood-soaked mother, still holding the weapon.
Despite being ordered to drop the blade, Eastwood allegedly ignored the police and resumed his attack on the disabled woman. It was at this point that all three officers opened fire..
Remarkably, the woman survived the initial onslaught and was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
It has emerged that the victim is a mother to triplets, two of whom reportedly suffer from mental health issues.
While there had been a protection order against Eastwood in the past, it was no longer active at the time of the stabbing.
Chief Kierney confirmed that the officers involved were taken to the hospital for trauma evaluations, describing them as “doing okay, but very shook.”
Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore praised the bravery of the first responders during the incident.
She said: “Yesterday’s incident was extremely tragic and violent. Our concerns, first and foremost, are the victim and her family as she continues to fight the very serious injuries.
“We’re grateful for the rapid response of, and the professionalism demonstrated, by our police officers, EMS personnel and assisting agencies during a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation.”
The State Attorney General’s Office has launched a standard investigation into the fatal shooting. A motive for the attack has not yet been established.
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