Southampton, New York — A horrifying Mother’s Day attack inside a Hamptons home has left an elderly woman fighting for her life after authorities say her son stabbed her dozens of times before police fatally shot him to stop the assault.
The violent incident unfolded Sunday afternoon in Northampton, a hamlet within Southampton, shocking the quiet New York community and leaving responding officers deeply traumatized.
Frantic 911 Calls Revealed Growing Danger
According to Southampton police, the terrifying situation began shortly before 2:45 p.m. when the victim made a desperate 911 call from her home on Toppings Path Drive.
Authorities said the woman reported that her son, identified as Steven Eastwood, 28, was intoxicated and behaving violently inside the home.
Moments later, the disabled mother reportedly called 911 again as the situation escalated further.
Police said the woman told dispatchers that her son was now threatening her with a knife.
By the time officers arrived, the situation had already turned extremely violent.
Officers Encountered Brutal Attack in Progress
When police entered the home, they allegedly found Eastwood standing over his wheelchair-bound mother while still armed with a knife.
Officials said the woman had already suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack.
“There have been numerous incidents at this address over the last decade,” Southampton police Chief James Kiernan said during a Monday press briefing.
“Faced with an ongoing, deadly assault, officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Eastwood and immediately stopping the attack.”
Authorities said officers repeatedly ordered Eastwood to drop the knife, but he allegedly ignored commands and turned back toward his mother, continuing the assault.
At that point, the three responding officers opened fire, killing him at the scene.
Victim Fighting for Her Life
Despite suffering more than 40 stab wounds, the victim miraculously survived the attack and was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital.
Officials said she remains in critical condition and continues fighting for her life.
Police have not publicly identified the woman, but investigators confirmed she had previously obtained an order of protection against her son, though it was no longer active at the time of the attack.
Authorities also revealed the family had a documented history of domestic violence incidents stretching back nearly a decade.
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Family Had Long History of Domestic Issues
Police said the victim had three sons who are triplets, and two reportedly suffered from mental illness.
Investigators noted there had been multiple prior incidents involving the home over the years, though officials did not provide additional details about earlier cases.
The motive behind the Mother’s Day attack remains unclear.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about mental health crises, domestic violence, and the challenges families face when dealing with repeated violent incidents inside the home.
Officers Left Traumatized After Incident
Following the shooting, the three officers involved were taken to the hospital for trauma evaluations.
Chief Kiernan described them as emotionally shaken by the horrifying scene.
Kierney said the officers were “doing okay, but very shook.”
As required under New York law, the state Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the fatal police shooting.
Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore also addressed the tragedy Monday.
“Yesterday’s incident was extremely tragic and violent,” Moore said.
“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,” she said.
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