A 34-year-old Queens woman was found stabbed to death inside her Astoria home early Tuesday, while her husband was discovered dead several hours later in a nearby park in what investigators believe may be a murder-suicide.
Police are continuing to investigate the deaths, though law enforcement sources say preliminary evidence indicates the husband may have killed his wife before taking his own life.
Woman Found Dead Inside Astoria Home
According to police, officers responded around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday to a residence on 41st Street near 19th Avenue in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens.
Inside the home, officers found 34-year-old Mary Kate Golding suffering from fatal stab wounds.
Law enforcement sources said Golding had been stabbed in the back, and investigators reportedly found the knife still lodged in her back when officers arrived.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Husband Found Dead Hours Later
Approximately six hours after Golding’s body was discovered, authorities located the body of her 33-year-old husband, Joseph Azzaretto, hanging from a tree in Astoria Park.
Investigators believe Azzaretto died by suicide after leaving the couple’s home following the fatal stabbing.
Officials have not yet released the New York City Medical Examiner’s final determination regarding the cause and manner of death.
Infant Son Found Safe
According to law enforcement sources, the couple’s 11-month-old son, Nolan, was inside the apartment with his mother’s body after the attack.
Authorities said the child was later recovered safely by one of Golding’s friends.
Sources said Azzaretto allegedly contacted the friend after the stabbing and confessed to killing his wife before ending the call.
A neighbor recalled hearing a woman screaming after entering the apartment and then leaving with the infant in her arms.
The child was not physically injured.
Investigators Examining Timeline
According to investigators, the couple had reportedly argued earlier in the evening before the fatal stabbing.
Law enforcement sources said Azzaretto allegedly drove away from the residence in a minivan after the attack.
Authorities also said he reportedly called another family member and confessed to the killing before that relative notified law enforcement.
By the time officers located him, he had already been found dead in Astoria Park.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Couple Recently Moved to Queens
Employees at a nearby auto body shop told reporters that Golding and Azzaretto had moved into the basement apartment from Pennsylvania approximately two months ago.
Neighbors said they had only recently become acquainted with the couple.
Victim Worked in Film and Television
According to publicly available professional profiles, Golding studied at New York University and worked as an assistant set decorator in the television and film industry.
Her credits reportedly included productions such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Goosebumps.
Neighbors also said Azzaretto worked in the entertainment industry.
Neighbors Describe Husband’s Behavior
Several neighbors described Azzaretto as frequently displaying aggressive behavior.
One nearby business employee, who requested anonymity, said Azzaretto often argued with people in the neighborhood and left notes for anyone parking near his driveway.
The same neighbor also recalled an incident involving vehicle repossession in which Azzaretto allegedly confronted repo workers.
Those observations have not been independently verified by investigators, and police have not said whether they are connected to the fatal incident.
Family History Mentioned by Sources
Law enforcement sources also noted that Azzaretto’s family had previously been connected to another homicide case.
According to court records cited by sources, Azzaretto’s brother, Nicholas Azzaretto, was arrested in 2020 after their father was fatally shot at the family’s home in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Court records show Nicholas Azzaretto later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in that case.
Authorities have not indicated that the earlier case has any connection to the current investigation.
Investigation Continues
The New York City Police Department continues to investigate the deaths of Mary Kate Golding and Joseph Azzaretto.
While investigators currently believe the case appears to be a suspected murder-suicide, officials have not announced a final determination as detectives continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and awaiting findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
