(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Candelario Cordova, 53, of Huntington Station, who allegedly stabbed the victim to death, and then slashed and stabbed the victim’s wife when she tried to intervene.
“The victim’s wife watched in horror as the defendant allegedly murdered her husband, and then when she tried to intervene, the defendant turned the knife on her,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Such violence will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”
According to the investigation, on February 16, 2023, the wife of Roque Cisneros, 58, looked out of the front window of her Huntington Station home and saw her husband sitting in the front passenger seat of an SUV. Cordova, a co-worker and friend of Cisneros, was seated in the driver’s seat of the SUV and appeared to be trying to get Cisneros out of the vehicle. When Cisneros’ wife saw Cordova suddenly pull away with her husband still in the SUV, she jumped in her car and followed them. Cordova stopped his SUV around the corner on Oakwood Road, jumped out, opened the trunk, and retrieved a long knife. Cordova then opened the passenger side of the SUV and began stabbing Cisneros repeatedly in the neck and body. Cisneros’ wife attempted to stop the attack by grabbing Cordova, who then began slashing and stabbing her. Several passing motorists stopped and intervened, ultimately subduing Cordova until members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrived. The knife used during the attack was recovered at the scene.
Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple stab and incise knife wounds. Cisneros’ wife was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for her stab wounds.
On March 22, 2023, Cordova was arraigned on the indictment by Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins, for the charges of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony, Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony. Judge Collins remanded Cordova, and the case was adjourned to April 26, 2023. Cordova is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau.