Suffolk County, NY — Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Candelario Cordova, 54, of Huntington Station, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree for the stabbing death of 58-year-old Roque Cisneros. Cordova also pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the second degree for stabbing Cisneros’ wife when she tried to intervene.
“Unfortunately, in addition to witnessing the trauma of her husband being stabbed to death by the defendant, the victim’s wife also endured her own horrific injuries during the defendant’s attack,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I hope that the defendant’s plea today brings some measure of closure and relief to the victim’s wife and family.”
The incident occurred on February 16, 2023. Cordova and Cisneros, who were friends and co-workers, were sitting in Cordova’s SUV parked in front of Cisneros’ home. Cisneros’ wife saw Cordova trying to get Cisneros out of the vehicle. Cordova suddenly drove away with Cisneros still in the SUV. Cisneros’ wife followed them in her car. Cordova stopped around the corner on Oakwood Road, retrieved a long knife from the trunk, and began stabbing Cisneros in the neck and body. When Cisneros’ wife attempted to stop the attack, Cordova slashed and stabbed her. Several motorists intervened, subduing Cordova until Suffolk County Police arrived. The knife was recovered at the scene.
Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple stab wounds. His wife was transported to Huntington Hospital and treated for her injuries.
Cordova pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to manslaughter in the first degree and attempted murder in the second degree. Cordova is due for sentencing on June 20, 2024, and is expected to receive 30 years in prison. He is represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.
