Ian Stapp, 37, a Brooklyn resident, was found dead at the Heckscher Playground in Central Park, New York City, on Monday morning, December 11.
Stapp, identified as living on Ocean Avenue in the Flatbush area, was discovered with multiple lacerations on his body, predominantly to his neck, stomach, and chest. Law enforcement sources have indicated that these injuries might have been self-inflicted.
A Central Park Conservancy worker initially encountered Stapp in a bathroom around 7 a.m., noting minor blood on his hands and assuming it was a shaving injury. Approximately an hour later, another park worker found Stapp lying face-up on the playground ground, leading to a 911 call. Emergency Medical Services pronounced Stapp dead at the scene at 8:54 a.m.
Police sources revealed Stapp’s history of drug abuse, including marijuana and the synthetic drug K-2. His roommate in Prospect Park South, identified only as Adam, confirmed Stapp’s frequent drug usage. Additionally, Stapp’s mother, residing in Arizona, informed detectives of his previous diagnosis showing “signs of bipolar” disorder.
The night before his death, Stapp had contacted his mother, expressing fears of being pursued by human traffickers. He reportedly told her that he would rather end his life than be captured by them. This conversation adds a complex layer to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigators found as many as 30 superficial stab wounds to Stapp’s stomach and chest, a deep cut across his throat, and multiple cuts on the left side of his neck. A bloody knife, approximately 2.5 inches in blade length, was discovered in the pocket of Stapp’s hoodie.
This evidence, coupled with the nature of the wounds, led the New York Police Department (NYPD) to consider the possibility of the injuries being self-inflicted.
NYPD Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson, during a press briefing, stated that their preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of self-inflicted injuries. The scene was further examined, and drug paraphernalia was found in Stapp’s apartment, visible without any search efforts.
Aside from his personal struggles, Stapp was known to be a bass player and a student at City College. His roommate shared that Stapp was working on a book about Stephen C. Foster, a notable 19th-century composer often referred to as the “father of American music.” The completion and potential publication of this biography remain uncertain.
The Heckscher Playground, where Stapp was found, is a historic site in Central Park. Spanning 4.5 acres, it was the first of the park’s 21 recreational playgrounds, opening in 1926. The playground’s tranquil reputation stands in stark contrast to the grim discovery made on Monday.
As the investigation continues, authorities await further details from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to conclusively determine the cause of Stapp’s death. The NYPD has not yet ruled out other possibilities and continues to explore all aspects of this case.