Daughter charged in stabbing death

Irma Grossman, 79, was stabbed to death in her home at 2754 Terrell Ave. in Oceanside on Aug. 17, police report.

Nassau County police officers responded to the scene at 12:48 p.m. Grossman was transported to South Nassau Communities Hospital with a neck wound and pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m.

Police officers arrested Grossman's daughter, Suzan Grossman-Kerner, 56, of Patten Avenue, Oceanside.

According to Detective-Captain John Azzata of the Nassau County Police, the mother and daughter were arguing about the daughter's ongoing medical condition.

Grossman-Kerner's attorney, Todd Greenberg, is reported to have said that his client has a "prior psychiatric history, very serious psychiatric history."

Azzata said Grossman-Kerner stabbed her mother multiple times in the head and back of the neck, and then called 911, reporting that her mother had been assaulted. He also said Grossman lived alone, and there were no records of domestic disturbances or arrests at either woman's home.

Police found a kitchen knife at the scene, but they are not sure yet if it is the murder weapon.

Azzata said Grossman-Kerner is married and has three college-age children.

Grossman-Kerner, an attorney, is charged with second-degree murder and was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Aug. 18. She pleaded not guilty. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Chyann Kelly and her sister, Amanda Schutzman, who grew up in the area, went to Grossman's home the day after the murder to leave flowers. "It's a sad thing for us," said Kelly. "Because this is our neighborhood, you know?"

Schutzman was friends with Grossman's grandson, and spoke to Grossman-Kerner a few days ago, saying she seemed normal.

"She was extremely nice," Schutzman said of Grossman-Kerner. "She was a good person."

Kelly said that Grossman and her daughter were normal people and this was "out of left field."