Court documents describe a violent confrontation in which Dekyle Fessale menaced his mother’s partner with a pellet gun, then returned with a knife, forcing his mother to shield the victim. He faces felony assault and weapons charges. Photo: VIPD

According to court documents, police were called to a Smith Bay residence on Monday evening, September 29, 2025, and met a man who said that he had come to his longtime girlfriend's house about 45 minutes prior.

The couple were chatting in the bedroom when Dekyle Fessale, the woman's son, knocked on the door. Fessale reportedly confronted the older man, asking him what he was doing there before pulling out a gun. The woman's boyfriend said the younger man held the gun pointed at a downward angle. Fessale reportedly told his mother “I'll kill this man” before asking her to move out of the way. After the threat, he left the room, only to return with a knife.

At that point, the man said he attempted to get Fessale to have a seat and talk things through, however the younger man reportedly responded with another threat before charging forward with the knife. Fessale's mother shielded her boyfriend from her son's attack by placing her body between the two men. When police asked, she corroborated her boyfriend's account of the incident.

When approached by police, Fessale also confirmed the older man's story, saying that he was alerted by the presence of a truck on the property that did not belong there. Officers examined the weapons he had pulled on his mother's boyfriend and found the firearm to be a pellet gun. The knife he was wielding was seen resting on the ironing board. Fessale was duly arrested and charged with third-degree assault, possessing a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and disturbance of the peace.

Remanded to custody

Unable to pay the initial $25,000 bail requirement, he was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.

In court on Tuesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold all charges against Fessale. He was allowed to post $500 in cash to secure his release ahead of trial, with the remainder posted as an unsecured bond. Once out of detention, Fessale will be restricted from travel, and required to stay at least 25 feet away from the alleged victim at all times. He is also banned from using alcohol or any controlled substance while the matter is pending, nor is he allowed to possess any firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons.

The next court appearance for Mr Fessale is scheduled for October 17, 2025.