Security footage obtained by the New York Post allegedly shows Joseph Azzaretto, a 42-year-old Queens father, strolling calmly toward his car just hours after police discovered his wife's brutalized body inside their home — before he was later found hanged in nearby Cunningham Park, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.
Background
Joseph and Maria Azzaretto lived together in Ozone Park, Queens, with their two children. Neighbors told investigators they had heard arguing coming from the residence in recent weeks but nothing that suggested imminent danger, sources said. The couple appeared to have a turbulent relationship, according to people who knew them. Joseph Azzaretto worked as a contractor and was described by acquaintances as quiet and reserved.
The Investigation
Police responded to the Azzaretto home on July 21 after a relative requested a welfare check. Officers discovered Maria Azzaretto's body with apparent blunt force trauma injuries. An autopsy scheduled for July 22 will determine the exact cause of death, according to the NYPD. Within hours of the discovery, investigators reviewed security camera footage from nearby properties that allegedly showed Joseph Azzaretto leaving the scene and walking toward a parked car — appearing composed despite what authorities say was his wife's body still inside their residence.
Later that evening, police received reports of a possible hanging in Cunningham Park, roughly half a mile from the couple's home. Officers found Joseph Azzaretto deceased upon arrival, sources said. No note was immediately recovered, and investigators are treating the scene as an apparent suicide. The NYPD Crime Scene Unit processed both locations while homicide detectives pursued leads into the circumstances surrounding Maria Azzaretto's death.
Detectives are reviewing electronic evidence, including phone records and social media accounts, to establish a timeline of events leading up to the discovery of both bodies. Investigators have not ruled out foul play in Joseph Azzaretto's death pending the results of forensic analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Azzaretto was found dead inside her Ozone Park home with apparent blunt force trauma injuries on July 21
- Security footage allegedly shows her husband, Joseph Azzaretto, walking calmly toward his car hours after police believe she was killed
- Joseph Azzaretto was later found hanged in Cunningham Park less than a mile from the family home
- The couple's two children were not present during the incident, according to sources
- An autopsy is scheduled to determine Maria Azzaretto's exact cause of death
What's Next
The NYPD Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy on Maria Azzaretto's body to confirm her official cause and manner of death. Investigators continue to examine digital evidence and interview witnesses as they piece together the final hours before both discoveries. The couple's children, who were not home at the time, have been placed with family members while detectives complete their investigation.