Huntington Station Man Admits To Manslaughter, Attempted Murder: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Huntington Station man admitted to killing his friend and then trying to kill his friend's wife in 2023, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Tuesday.

Candelario Cordova, 54, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of Roque Cisneros, 58, Tierney said. Cordova also pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for stabbing Cisneros's wife, Vilma Campos, 54, of Huntington Station, when she tried to intervene, the DA said.

"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," Tierney said in a news release. "I hope that the defendant’s plea today brings some measure of closure and relief to the victim’s wife and family."

According to the investigation and Cordova's admissions during his guilty plea, on Feb. 16, 2023, Cordova and Cisneros, who were friends and co-workers, were both sitting in Cordova's SUV that was parked in front of Cisneros's home, officials said. Campos, who was looking out her kitchen window, saw Cordova in the driver's seat trying to get Cisneros out of the vehicle, authorities said.

Cordova then suddenly drove away with Cisneros still in the SUV, so Cisneros’ wife jumped into her car and followed them, officials said.

Cordova stopped his SUV around the corner on Oakwood Road, jumped out, opened the trunk,
and retrieved a long knife, prosecutors said. He then opened the passenger side of the SUV and began stabbing Cisneros repeatedly in the neck and body, the DA said. Campos attempted to stop the attack by grabbing Cordova, who then began slashing and stabbing her, investigators said.

Several passing motorists stopped and intervened, ultimately subduing Cordova until members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrived, authorities said. Officers recovered Cordova's knife at the scene, officials said.

Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene because of multiple stab and incise knife wounds, the DA said. Cisneros’ wife was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for her stab wounds, authorities said.

Cordova pleaded guilty on Tuesday. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 20 where he is expected to receive 30 years in prison. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy.