Queens Mother Found Dead in Astoria Home; Husband Discovered Dead in Nearby Park Hours Later in Suspected Murder-Suicide

A 34-year-old mother was found dead inside her Astoria, Queens apartment in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and her husband was later found dead in a nearby park in what police are investigating as a possible murder-suicide.

Mary Kate Golding was discovered with a stab wound at the couple’s basement apartment on 41st Street near 19th Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Her 11-month-old son, Nolan, was inside the home at the time. A family friend, who had been contacted by phone, arrived at the apartment, recovered the infant, and alerted authorities.

Shortly after the discovery, Golding’s husband, 33-year-old Joseph Azzaretto, allegedly called a relative and admitted to the killing. He then fled the scene in a minivan.

Approximately six hours later, around 6:30 a.m., Azzaretto’s body was found hanging from a tree in Astoria Park, only a short distance from the couple’s residence.

Investigators believe the incident followed an argument between the couple earlier that night. The family had moved into the Astoria basement apartment from Pennsylvania just two months earlier.

Neighbors described Azzaretto as having shown angry and erratic behavior since the move. Several residents said they had begun avoiding him after confrontations over parking and other disputes. One neighbor recounted an incident in which Azzaretto argued with repo workers who came to collect a vehicle.

Golding had studied at New York University and worked as an assistant set decorator on television productions, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Goosebumps. Azzaretto also worked in the film industry.

The case is being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide. Detectives continue to interview family members, neighbors, and others who may have information. The couple’s infant son is currently in the care of relatives.