Kristin Sculley, 22, is accused of fatally stabbing Robert "Bobby" Carragher, 28, in the basement of his parents' home in Massapequa on June 2, claiming the fatal encounter was justified self-defense after she alleges he drugged and attempted to sexually assault her, according to her defense attorneys.
Background
Sculley and Carragher had known each other for some time, with Sculley's attorney Dennis Lemke telling the court that Carragher served as her long-time drug dealer, supplying her with cocaine and methamphetamine. The two had allegedly been using drugs together at his parents' home in the days leading up to the stabbing.
According to police, Sculley arrived at the residence around 1:30 a.m. on June 2 for what authorities believe was a pre-arranged meeting. Carragher's family lived in the home above the basement where the incident occurred.
Lemke described Sculley as having battled drug addiction her entire life, with prior stints in rehabilitation and a recent relapse into cocaine and methamphetamine use before the alleged assault.
The Investigation
Sculley has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Carragher's death. She admits to being under the influence of drugs at the time of the stabbing but claims she acted in self-defense after waking up to find Carragher attempting to sexually assault her, according to her defense team.
"She was given some type of drug that, she felt very loopy, was passing out," Lemke told the packed Mineola courtroom on Wednesday. "She woke up, he was on top of her, trying to abuse her, sexually. That's when she grabbed the knife that was there and stabbed him one time."
Prosecutors from the Nassau County District Attorney's Office paint a different picture of events. They allege Sculley and Carragher were watching television together in the basement bedroom when an argument ensued. At that point, prosecutors claim Sculley pulled a knife from her purse and stabbed Carragher in the neck while he slept.
After the stabbing, Sculley allegedly hid in the laundry room covered in blood, according to law enforcement officials. Carragher managed to make it upstairs to his parents before collapsing. He died in his father's arms as his mother watched, authorities said.
Nassau County Police Detective Lt. George Darienzo told reporters on June 2 that investigators believe Sculley made arrangements to meet Carragher at the residence that evening. "The individual died in his father’s arms," Darienzo said. "No family should ever have to bear witness to the sudden killing of their son."
Lemke also noted that Nassau County detectives did not take Sculley for a hospital examination to test for evidence of sexual assault following her allegations. She was examined once she arrived at the jail, and defense attorneys say they are awaiting those results.
Key Takeaways
- Robert "Bobby" Carragher, 28, died from a single stab wound to the neck in his parents' Massapequa home on June 2
- Kristin Sculley, 22, is charged with second-degree murder and has entered a not guilty plea
- Defense claims Sculley was drugged with a date-rape drug via a vape and woke to find Carragher attempting sexual assault
- Prosecutors allege the stabbing occurred after an argument while Carragher slept
- A person in the courtroom shouted "Liar!" when defense attorneys presented the self-defense claim
- Judge denied bail; Sculley remains held without bond pending trial
What's Next
Sculley is due back in court on July 24 for further proceedings. The case remains under investigation by the Nassau County Police Department, and prosecutors have indicated additional evidence, including surveillance footage, may be presented as the case progresses.