QUEENS, NY— A 34-year-old woman was stabbed to death inside her Astoria home early Tuesday morning in what police described as a suspected domestic violence incident, leaving her infant son alone beside her body as investigators searched for answers.
Officers from the 114th Precinct responded to the basement apartment at 18-64 41st St. at about 12:24 a.m. after neighbors reported hearing a loud disturbance, according to police sources.
Inside, officers found Mary Golding unconscious with a stab wound to her back.
Emergency medical workers pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the stabbing stemmed from an argument between Golding and her husband, sources familiar with the investigation said.
Hours later, police found Golding’s husband, identified by sources as Azzaretto, dead in Astoria Park after an apparent suicide. His body was discovered hanging near Astoria Park South and Shore Boulevard at about 6 a.m., sources told the NY Post.
Police have not publicly released a motive.
Golding’s husband left the apartment after the stabbing and later contacted a friend and family member, allegedly confessing to the killing, according to law enforcement.
A friend went to the apartment and found Golding dead, according to reports.
The couple’s 11-month-old son, Nolan, was found inside with his mother before the friend removed him from the room.
Neighbors described hearing activity inside the home before police arrived.
The couple had moved into the basement apartment from Pennsylvania about two months earlier, according to a neighboring auto body shop employee.
Golding worked in the entertainment industry as an assistant set decorator, with credits including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Goosebumps,” according to online industry profiles.
Nathaniel Fields, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute, a New York-based nonprofit and the country’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services, said deadly violence often follows patterns of escalation.
“Usually, when someone is ready to leave, it’s the highest point of danger for that person,” Fields said.
He said survivors can face increased risk during moments of separation, and safety planning can help people prepare before a crisis occurs.
“Create a safety plan,” Fields said. “Get your documents together. Be able to think about where you can go for help.”
Fields said warning signs can include stalking, previous violence, threats of harm, strangulation attempts, substance abuse and access to firearms.
The auto body shop worker described Azzaretto as being “mentally disturbed,” leaving neighbors threatening notes if they parked on his driveway.
Fields said people close to someone experiencing abuse often notice changes before a crisis occurs, but they may not know how to respond.
“Learn some of the warning signs of domestic violence,” he said. “Suspend judgment, learn how to listen and be able to offer help in terms of resources.”
He encouraged friends and family members to focus on support rather than pressure.
“Being present and supportive, often survivors, victims feel isolated and alone,” Fields said.
He said loved ones can help connect people to professional resources rather than trying to manage dangerous situations themselves.
Fields said survivors may face barriers including fear, financial dependence, children, housing concerns and uncertainty about where they can go.
“Sometimes leaving can be more dangerous than staying,” Fields said.
He said shelters today are designed to provide more than emergency housing, offering private living spaces, case management, legal support and services for children.
Fields said modern shelters have moved away from the image of crowded emergency spaces and now focus on safety, privacy and recovery.
At Urban Resource Institute facilities, families can access apartment-style housing, support services and spaces designed for children and pets.
The organization also provides prevention programs, legal services and programs focused on helping people who have caused harm take accountability and stop abusive behavior.
People experiencing domestic violence or concerned about someone else can seek confidential support through domestic violence hotlines and local service providers.
Fields said awareness remains one of the most important tools in preventing violence.
“It’s not a family problem, it’s actually a crime,” he said. “There are patterns of abuse. You could be on the lookout for this.”
Warning Signs That Can Indicate Increasing Danger
How To Support Someone Experiencing Abuse
People experiencing domestic violence or concerned about someone else can call NYC’s 24-hour HOPE Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) for confidential support, safety planning and referrals.
Urban Resource Institute offers confidential support, safety planning, shelter referrals, legal services and other resources for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. People seeking help can visit here.
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