By CaraLynn Caulfield
A Salvadoran national has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing another man during an argument in front of a Copiague deli.
Gherson Lopez, 29, admitted to first-degree manslaughter for the killing of 34-year-old Jose Argueta-Canales during a violent altercation on May 15, 2023, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced Wednesday.
The incident began as a verbal dispute between the two men while they were smoking outside the deli. The argument escalated into a physical fight, which appeared to end when Lopez complained about injuring his hand. The men shook hands and the victim sat down on a bench nearby to eat.
Moments later, as the two continued to exchange words, Lopez stood over Argueta-Canales and stabbed him twice in the chest, fatally wounding him.
“No legal outcome can bring back Mr. Argueta-Canales, but now this defendant will be held accountable for his actions,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office remains committed to prosecuting violent crimes to the full extent of the law.”
Lopez entered the guilty plea on June 11 before New York State Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro. He faces 20 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Sentencing is scheduled for August 13.