A Huntington Station man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for fatally stabbing his friend and then stabbing his friend’s wife when she tried to intervene.
Candelario Cordova and Roque Cisneros were both co-workers and friends. On February 16, 2023, the two were sitting in Cordova’s SUV, which was in front of Cisneros’ home. Cisneros’ wife could see the two from out the window. She witnessed Cordova in the driver’s seat and trying to get Cisneros out of the car, then watched the car suddenly drive away with her husband still in the car. Cisneros’ wife got into her own car and followed them.
Cordova eventually stopped the SUV around the corner on Oakwood Road. He briskly jumped out, grabbed the murder weapon and began to stab Cisneros. When his wife tried to intervene, Cordova began to slash and stab her. Several motorists who were passing by stopped to intervene and were able to hold down Cordova until the police arrived.
Police recovered the knife at the scene. Cisneros, 58, died at the scene, while his wife was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for her stab wounds.
On May 14, 2024, Cordova pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree attempted murder.
On July 24, 2024, Collins sentenced Cordova to 30 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
“Today’s sentencing of 30 years in prison for the defendant reflects the severity of his heinous actions. By fatally stabbing Mr. Cisneros and then attempting to take the life of the victim’s wife who bravely tried to intervene, he demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the safety of our community,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. “This sentence sends our ongoing and clear message that such violent, reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated.”