STAPLETON — The family of a Staten Island woman whose husband allegedly stabbed her to death called their former son-in-law an animal outside his arraignment Wednesday.
"He's a soulless demon," said Theresa Mapes, the mother of Simeonette Mapes, 29, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds in her New Springville apartment in July.
Crupi was arraigned on Wednesday in Staten Island Criminal Court and was held without bail by Judge Alan Meyer.
During the arraignment, some Mapes' family members cried.
After her daughter's death, Theresa Mapes said that Crupi never denied his guilt in the murder.
"He never reached out. He never once said he did not do this," the teary-eyed mother said. "He never said, 'Mom, I did not do this."
Crupi pleaded not guilty. HIs attorney, Mario Gallucci, said his client was cooperative with cops during the investigation.
"He was very surprised that he was arrested," Gallucci said. "This came as a surprise."
During his arraignment, nearly a dozen family members of Mapes sat inside the courtroom. Some carried "Justice for Sissy" signs and t-shirts with Mapes' face on them.
At the arraignment, his lawyers requested an order of protection and medical attention for Crupi's high blood pressure.
On July 5, police responded to the 1446 Forest Hill Road apartment of the couple after a 911 call made by Crupi.
Crupi told authorities that he had found his wife in the entranceway of their home. Mapes was already dead by the time emergency responders arrived.
Both Mapes and Crupi taught at the School for Classics and Academy of Thinkers, Writers and Performers in East New York, Brooklyn. Mapes taught social studies and Crupi was an English teacher.
On Wednesday, Mapes' father, John, said, "We won't rest until he's away."
