DA: Man Convicted of Fatal Hempstead Stabbing

A man was found guilty Tuesday in the fatal stabbing of a Hempstead man behind a laundromat in March 2013, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Luis Moreno, 38, of Hempstead, was convicted by a jury o second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the DA said. The jury deliberated for one hour after a week-long trial, officials said.

Now convicted, Moreno faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison, the DA said. Moreno is due to be sentenced July 15.

At 4:20 p.m. on March 2, Moreno stabbed Darwin Hernandez, 28, of Hempstead, behind a laundromat on Clinton Street in Hempstead, the DA said. Hernandez was stabbed in the hand, abdomen, groin, and head, but ultimately died from blood loss caused by a stab in his heart, officials said.

Hernandez body was discovered on Lincoln Boulevard, the DA said. Moreno was charged March 24 on Clinton Boulevard, near where Hernandez was found, officials said.

The weapon used in the stabbing was never found, the DA said.

“In the course of committing this brutal crime, Mr. Moreno held his victim’s jacket to ensure that he could not flee – all while stabbing Mr. Hernandez numerous times across his body, including his hands, as he attempted to defend himself,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said in a statement Tuesday. “Today’s guilty verdict ensures that this violent criminal will be off our streets for a long time to come.”

Photo via NCPD