A somber mood fell upon the Bethpage community this week, upon the news of a tragic homicide on Meade Avenue.

Seventy-six-year old Carmella Marinuzzi was stabbed to death Monday by her apparently depressed husband of 58 years, 84-year-old Nicholas Marinuzzi, according to Nassau County police.

Expressing grief and shock about Mrs. Marinuzzi's death Tuesday, one woman who lives on the street said, "All I know is she was my best friend." Others in the community declined to comment on the devastating incident.

The incident occurred at about 9:15 a.m. as Carmella, also known by friends as Lily or Lil, was washing dishes at the kitchen sink. Nicholas, who was apparently undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression, stood up from eating his breakfast and repeatedly stabbed her, according to detectives.

Eighth precinct officer Kathy Imhof responded to a 911 call for help from the house, where the couple had lived for over 50 years, the detectives reported. Upon arrival, they said, she was confronted by Mr. Marinuzzi. He reportedly told her to arrest him because he had killed his wife. He directed Officer Imhof to the basement, where she found his wife inflicted with multiple stab wounds. Mrs. Marinuzzi was pronounced dead at the scene.

After a brief investigation, police charged Mr. Marinuzzi with first degree manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty to one count of first degree manslaughter in Nassau 1st. District Court on Tuesday. At the request of both his attorney and the Nassau District Attorney's office, he was ordered held to undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with court hearings.