STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island man charged in the 2024 stabbing death of his wife has made statements indicating he is unaware of his surroundings, while in some cases asking to see the victim, according to court proceedings and sources familiar with the case.
Pitarbhai Khristi, 86, was scheduled to appear virtually on Tuesday in state Supreme Court, St. George, on charges stemming from the Dec. 5 slaying inside the couple’s apartment on Carmel Court in Dongan Hills. The victim was identified as 87-year-old Laxmiben Khristi.
But the defendant, who is being held at Bellevue Hospital, refused to appear on camera for the virtual appearance. Instead, Justice Mario F. Mattei discussed the case with Khristi’s attorneys, who were at the hospital and appeared on camera…