A New Jersey high schooler was fatally stabbed outside a Manhattan axe-throwing venue by a shoeless stranger as he left a private party with his brother.
Rocco Rodden, 17, was described by his grieving father as “the light in the darkest room and the biggest warrior and protector there was.”
“It’s a tragedy,” 53-year-old Douglas Rodden said. “The family is broken because, you know, he died in his brother’s arms.”
The father had just called Rocco and asked him to be careful while out with his brother and sister.
“Yesterday, I had to plan a funeral and pick a coffin and a mausoleum for my son. I would not wish that upon anybody.”
19-year-old Gianluca Bordone was arrested about a mile away from the stabbing scene after he fled in a taxi.
Rocco’s brother, 19, was also stabbed in the incident and took 50 stitches, the father said.
“Kids are supposed to bury parents. And I don’t really have any words to say.”
