Nassau police say 'male subject' in custody after fatal stabbings at A & A Italian Deli & Pizza in Plainedge

Nassau police said a 30-year-old man was in custody late Thursday in connection with the fatal stabbings of a man and a woman at a Plainedge deli described by people in the neighborhood as a family-owned and much-beloved community hub for decades.

The "male subject, 30, was located and placed under arrest without incident," stated a Nassau County Police Department news release late Thursday. The names of the victims and the man in custody were not immediately provided. The release also did not say what led up to the killings or potential charges facing the man arrested.

The female victim, 62, was pronounced dead at the Hicksville Road deli, A & A Italian Deli & Pizza. The male victim, 70, was transported to a hospital, where he died, the police said.

Neighbors described the victims as a married couple who operated the deli with help from their children.

Nassau police were called to the deli at 9:11 a.m. Thursday, according to officials. Officers discovered the man and woman, both with fatal injuries, the police said.

Joe Boros, 97, of Massapequa, who described himself as a loyal customer, told Newsday the couple’s adult son walked out from the back of the store as he walked in and said, “ ‘I stabbed my parents,’ and then he nonchalantly walked out. I just don’t understand."

Brandon James, 36, of Glen Cove, said the couple’s son waited at the scene for the police to arrive and arrest him. James realized there had been trouble when he saw officers handcuff the man, whose hands were covered in blood.

Nassau police vehicles, including a crime scene unit, surrounded the deli Thursday afternoon. The Nassau Police Homicide Squad is investigating the deaths. The deli is across the street from John H. West Elementary School, where a crossing guard led students across the street and passed yellow police tape.

Investigators moved in and out of the business while an orange neon "open" sign illuminated the entrance, next to a caricature of a pizza chef. A medical examiner’s vehicle waited nearby. Family members stood crying behind the police tape, while regular customers and neighbors gathered nearby.

James said the family-run deli had been an anchor of the shopping center for decades. The woman who died, he added, was "just a nice lady."

"When I found out what happened, I just started crying. I feel so bad for them, because they're such a sweet family," James said. "Everybody knows them over here for like 30, 40 years, and she looks out for everybody over here with food, breakfast: You don't have money, you'll pay her later."

The deli, known in the neighborhood for its chicken cutlets, was usually packed on Sundays with customers eager for its egg sandwiches. The family visited relatives in Italy every summer, said Diane Elder, 57, another regular.

"Living in the neighborhood and going into their store, they were a staple in the neighborhood," Elder said. "It's shocking and very sad."

Dan Harper, 57, of Massapequa, said he had consoled the couple’s daughter earlier in the day.

"The family is hysterical and trying to hold things together for their sister," Harper said.

Boros, too, said he was shaken by the events.

"I'm very sorry for the family. I've been coming here for 30 years, and this is the worst thing in my lifetime and I'm 97 years old," Boros said. "I wish I could wake up and find out this could all be a bad dream."