A small community in Staten Island was left in shock on Sunday, still grappling with the aftermath of a violent incident that resulted in the tragic death of an adored 81-year-old man, injuries to two others, and the arrest of a long-standing resident.
Speaking near the crime scene, a close friend of the victim expressed their profound grief, stating, “We are all devastated by this tragic event. The entire family is in disbelief. In our close-knit community, everyone knows each other, and we were all friends here, so this is truly heart-wrenching.”
Frank Pompilii lost his life when he attempted to intervene in a confrontation involving three of his neighbors on the picturesque Sunnyside Terrace, adjacent to Grand Ave. in Sunnyside, at around 4:40 p.m. on Friday, according to the police.Upon arrival, officers discovered Redzep (Richie) Cobaj, aged 78, with multiple stab wounds and his son, Skender (Alex) Cobaj, aged 51, suffering from hand injuries.
Returning home after work, Kelly Doyle found the younger Cobaj covered in blood, sitting on the ground, and in tears. She described the distressing scene, saying, “He was drenched in blood. His hand was bleeding, and he had blood on his arms, legs, and pants.”
As the elder Cobaj was being transported into an ambulance on a stretcher, Doyle provided solace to her traumatized teenage daughter, ensuring she didn’t witness the disturbing scene. “I held her head and shielded her from looking until the ambulance doors were closed,” Doyle recounted.While Redzep Cobaj was rushed to Richmond University Medical Center in critical condition, the younger Cobaj directed his anguish toward the home of the suspected assailant, Ramazan Ramusevic, where Pompilii’s lifeless body lay.Doyle recalled the moment, stating, “Two police officers were handling Frank. They were bringing him from the suspect’s house, down the suspect’s steps. They had him by his wrists and ankles and placed him in the street, attempting to resuscitate him with chest compressions.”
Despite their efforts, Pompilii could not be saved.Inside the suspect’s residence, officers discovered Ramusevic, aged 57, holding a bloodied knife, according to police sources cited on Saturday.Describing the arrest, Doyle mentioned, “They escorted him down the stairs from Ramusevic’s home. As they brought him out, it took six police officers to restrain [Skender Cobaj].”She further noted, “Ramusevic appeared to be in a highly agitated state, with his face contorted and twisted. He looked mentally unstable.”
As Ramusevic was escorted to a nearby police vehicle, Pompilii’s wife of 56 years screamed, “I hope you die!” as recounted by neighbor Maryann Nelson, aged 72.
Public records indicate that Ramusevic had a documented history of mental health issues and had been hospitalized at Richmond University Medical Center in March for psychiatric reasons. In June, he filed a lawsuit against the hospital seeking medical records after injuring himself during an unsuccessful escape from the facility, according to court documents.
Neighbors disclosed that ambulances had been called to Ramusevic’s residence several times earlier in the year due to what they suspected were mental health-related incidents.
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