A Central Islip man was indicted for attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his co-worker on the job at a pizza parlor.
On November 24 at about 11:00 a.m., Paul Albinagorta, an employee of Gino’s of Nesconset, allegedly stabbed a co-worker with a hunting knife as the employee was preparing a pizza. Albinagorta allegedly approached the co-worker from behind and, without warning, stabbed him in his side multiple times. The defendant then allegedly chased the victim and several other co-workers out of the store while threatening them. Albinagorta was arrested at the scene. The victim was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.
Suffolk Police officers recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack along with a sheath for the knife. An investigation revealed that the night prior to the attack, Albinagorta went to the Walmart in Islandia and purchased the knife allegedly used for the attack.
On December 5, Albinagorta was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:
- one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony
- one count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony
- one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony
- one count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Mazzei ordered Albinagorta, 34, to be held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Albinagorta is due back in court on January 7, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“This defendant allegedly committed a shocking act of workplace violence, attacking an unsuspecting worker from behind during a routine moment of food preparation,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will work diligently to ensure that the victim and the public are protected from further violence.”