Creedmoor Campus Killer Arraigned Thursday for Murder of Fellow Patient
New Details Emerge in Murder of Patient at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center
David Zheng, a 23-year-old patient, was arraigned on Thursday for the murder of a fellow patient at a mental health facility on the Creedmoor campus in Queens Village on Monday.
Background of the Crime
The victim, Ronald Giacopelli, 63, was found lying face down in a pool of blood with stab wounds to the back of the neck and lower back at around 10:36 a.m. on Monday. Police from the 105th Precinct in Queens Village responded to a 911 call of a man in need of medical assistance at the facility and recovered a kitchen knife near the victim’s lifeless body.
Arrest and Charges
Zheng was arrested and charged with murder in the second degree, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon. According to the criminal complaint, Zheng initially told investigators that he woke up and saw Giacopelli on the floor of his room and did not remember anything. However, his story changed and he was booked for the homicide later that night.
Cause of Death Revealed
Contrary to initial reports, the cause of death was revealed to be strangulation, not the stab wounds. A spokeswoman from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Giacopelli’s death was caused by strangulation, but she could not confirm that the stab wounds were inflicted post-mortem. An NYPD spokeswoman also could not confirm that the stab wounds were inflicted after Giacopelli had already died.
Arraignment and Bail
Zheng was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Thursday and was remanded into custody without bail by Judge Michael Gaffey.
Conclusion
The case has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety of patients at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what led to the tragic events that unfolded on Monday morning.
FAQs
* Where did the crime take place? The crime took place at Hazel House, a 52-bed licensed residential program operated by Transitional Services of New York, within the 125-acre Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus in Queens Village.
* Who is the accused? David Zheng, a 23-year-old patient, is the accused of murdering Ronald Giacopelli.
* What is the cause of death? The cause of death is strangulation, not the stab wounds initially reported.
* Is Zheng in custody? Yes, Zheng was remanded into custody without bail at his arraignment on Thursday.
