Chilling NYC Dad Casually Strolls to Car After Brutally Stabbing Wife to Death — Then Found Hanging in Nearby Park Hours Later
In a horrifying case that has shocked residents of Astoria, Queens, surveillance footage has captured the final moments of apparent normalcy from a 33-year-old father before tragedy unfolded in a suspected murder-suicide. Joseph Azzaretto was seen walking calmly toward a minivan parked near the couple’s home on 41st Street, shortly after authorities say he stabbed his 34-year-old wife, Mary Kate Golding, in the back.
Police responded to the basement apartment around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following reports of an assault. Officers discovered Golding with a knife still embedded in her back. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. The couple’s 11-month-old son, Nolan, was reportedly left alone with his mother’s body in the apartment. A friend of Golding later recovered the infant after receiving a confession call from Azzaretto.
According to law enforcement sources, Azzaretto made phone calls to a family member and a friend, admitting to the killing. He then drove away in the minivan. Roughly six hours later, his body was found hanging from a tree in Astoria Park, about three kilometers from the family home. Investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide, with no other suspects involved.
Mary Kate Golding worked as a production designer and set designer in the film and television industry. She had contributed to notable productions, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Goosebumps. The couple had recently moved to New York from Pennsylvania just two months prior, seeking new opportunities in the city.
This tragedy has drawn renewed attention to the family’s troubled history. In 2020, Joseph’s brother, Nicholas Azzaretto, fatally shot their father during a domestic argument in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Reports at the time indicated the father had a history of abusive behavior, which was considered in that case. The pattern of violence has left neighbors and the broader community reeling, raising difficult questions about cycles of trauma and mental health.
Astoria, typically known for its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, has been shaken by the violence. Local residents described the area as quiet, making the brutality even more jarring. While authorities have not released full details on any prior domestic issues between Joseph and Mary Kate, the speed and finality of the events suggest a sudden and devastating escalation.
The infant son is now in the care of maternal relatives. This case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly hidden struggles can erupt into irreversible loss. As the NYPD continues its investigation, the focus remains on supporting affected family members and understanding the underlying factors that led to such an unimaginable outcome. No further updates on motive have been publicly confirmed as of July 23, 2026.
