In the early morning of Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023, a violent confrontation outside an axe-throwing bar in Lower Manhattan, New York City, led to the death of 17-year-old Rocco Rodden and serious injuries to his 19-year-old brother.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. near Live Axe, an axe-throwing venue located at 96 Lafayette Street in Chinatown.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the altercation involved the Rodden brothers and another group. The confrontation escalated, resulting in both teenagers being stabbed in the torso.
Despite the immediate medical response, the younger brother, Rocco Rodden, succumbed to his injuries at Bellevue Hospital. The older brother, whose name has not been disclosed, was also taken to Bellevue Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
The motives behind the argument that led to the stabbing remain unclear. Law enforcement sources confirmed that an axe, despite the venue’s theme, was not used in the incident. Following the attack, part of the block was cordoned off as investigators scoured the area for evidence.
In a recent development, 19-year-old Gianluca Bordone from Long Island has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and felony assault in connection with the incident. Bordone reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was eventually apprehended by the police. Surveillance footage played a crucial role in his arrest, capturing the stabbing incident.
Rocco Rodden was a junior at Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey. The school community expressed their grief on X, stating, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our own, Rocco Rodden.”
The NYPD did not provide a specific motive for the attack. However, reports indicate that the three individuals had been arguing inside the bar before continuing their dispute outside, where the stabbings occurred.
This incident has raised concerns about safety in the nightlife areas of New York City, particularly in areas with bars and entertainment venues like Live Axe.
Live Axe is a lounge and bar located on the border of SoHo and TriBeCa in New York City. It offers food, drinks, and adrenaline-pumping axe throwing. The venue has seasoned “axeperts” who teach customers to throw axes and offers a range of experiences, including a rage room.
