The woman suffered more than 40 stab and slash wounds, officials said.
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Police fatally shot a 28-year-old man Sunday after officers said they found him stabbing and slashing his mother inside a Northampton home on Mother’s Day, Southampton Town officials said.
Steven Eastwood was pronounced dead at the scene after three Southampton Town police officers opened fire inside the Topping Drive home. His 62-year-old mother, who officials said uses a wheelchair, was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries after emergency surgery.
Police Chief James Kiernan said the woman first called 911 at about 2:43 p.m. to report that her son was intoxicated and acting violently. While officers were still on the way, she called again and said Eastwood was threatening her with a knife. Officers arrived moments later and found Eastwood armed with a knife, standing over his mother as she lay on the floor, police said.
Officers ordered Eastwood to drop the knife, but he advanced toward them while still armed, Kiernan said. The officers backed away in an effort to draw him away from the woman. Police said Eastwood then turned back toward his mother and resumed stabbing and slashing her. Kiernan said officers fired their weapons to stop what police described as an ongoing deadly assault.
The woman suffered more than 40 apparent stab and slash wounds, police said. She was flown by Suffolk County police helicopter for emergency treatment. Officials said Monday that she remained unconscious after surgery. Three Southampton Town officers were treated at a hospital and released after the incident.
Kiernan said police had responded to the Topping Drive address numerous times over the past decade, including for domestic incidents. He said there may have been an order of protection in the past, but no active order was in place at the time of the attack. Officials said they did not know Monday whether Eastwood was living at the home or visiting.
Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore called the attack “an extremely tragic and violent event” and said the town’s concern was with the victim and her family. Kiernan said the officers were shaken by what happened. Police said body camera footage exists, and officials are reviewing how information may be released.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the fatal police shooting, as required by state law. Suffolk County police and Southampton Town detectives are also involved. Officials said the motive for the attack remains unknown.
The investigation remained active Tuesday, with the victim hospitalized and no further condition update released.
Author note: Last updated May 12, 2026.