MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Glen Cove man was arraigned Tuesday on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the fatal stabbing of his estranged mother-in-law outside a West Hempstead restaurant last month. Erick Efren Corado Gonzalez, 27, allegedly attacked 51-year-old Ana Ruth Espinoza as she left La Candela II restaurant following a family birthday celebration on September 29.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the indictment, stating that Gonzalez approached Espinoza in the restaurant’s parking lot and allegedly stabbed her seven times in the torso. Espinoza’s husband attempted to intervene but suffered injuries to his hands in the altercation. Gonzalez is also accused of brandishing an imitation pistol at Espinoza’s adult son, warning him not to pursue.
“Ana Ruth Espinoza was out with family celebrating her daughter’s birthday at a West Hempstead restaurant and saying her goodbyes when she was allegedly ambushed by Erick Gonzalez, her daughter’s estranged husband, and ruthlessly stabbed seven times,” said Donnelly. Espinoza was transported to Winthrop Hospital and later died from her injuries, which included hemorrhagic shock from a neck wound.
Authorities report that Gonzalez fled the scene with his two-year-old son in tow and was apprehended later the same day in Linden, New Jersey. He was extradited to Nassau County on October 22. Investigators recovered a knife in the restaurant’s parking lot and found an imitation firearm in the trunk of Gonzalez’s vehicle.
Gonzalez faces several charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted, he could face up to 50 years to life in prison. He is being held without bail and is due back in court on November 4.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsels Tracy Keeton and Kirk Sendlein of the Homicide Bureau. Gonzalez’s attorney, Joseph LoPiccolo, could not immediately be reached for comment.
