Bodycam Shows Moment Southampton Police Shoot Man Stabbing His Mother During Violent Mother's Day Attack
NORTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Newly released body-worn camera footage provides a harrowing look inside the Mother's Day domestic violence attack that ended when Southampton Town Police officers fatally shot a man who authorities say continued stabbing his disabled mother despite repeated commands to stop.
The videos, released by the New York State Attorney General's Office as part of its investigation into the officer-involved shooting, include footage from three responding Southampton Town Police officers and document the chaotic moments leading up to the fatal encounter.
According to investigators, officers responded shortly after 2:40 p.m. on May 10 to a home on Topping Drive after a woman called 911, reporting that her 28-year-old son, Steven Eastwood, was intoxicated, acting violently, and had threatened her with a knife.
The body camera footage shows officers entering the residence and discovering Eastwood armed with a knife while standing over his mother, who was already suffering multiple stab wounds and lying on the floor.
The video shows Eastwood covered in what appears to be his mother's blood while officers repeatedly order him to drop the knife. Rather than complying, Eastwood continues advancing toward officers while still armed.
Authorities said officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Eastwood continued attacking and stabbing his mother in their presence. After repeated commands failed to stop the assault, multiple officers opened fire, fatally striking him.
Investigators said the victim suffered more than 40 stab and slash wounds during the attack. She was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.
Three Southampton Town Police officers were also transported to a local hospital for evaluation following the incident and were later released.
Police previously stated they had responded to the residence numerous times over the past decade for domestic-related incidents involving Eastwood.
Because the shooting resulted in a civilian death involving law enforcement, the New York State Attorney General's Office is conducting the investigation under state law, while the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad is assisting.
The Attorney General's Office routinely releases body-worn camera footage after an initial review of officer-involved shootings to provide greater transparency into critical incidents. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and no determination has yet been announced regarding the officers' use of deadly force.
