Suffolk Man Sentenced For 'Heinous' Manslaughter, Attempted Murder: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Huntington Station man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he admitted to fatally stabbing his friend and then stabbing the man's wife when she tried to intervene, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Wednesday.

Candelario Cordova, 54, of Huntington Station, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree attempted murder in May in connection with the stabbings on Feb. 16, 2023, Tierney said. Cordova faces five years of post-release supervision following his sentence after the death of Roque Cisneros, 58, of Huntington Station, the DA said.

"Today's sentencing of 30 years in prison for the defendant reflects the severity of his heinous actions," Tierney said in a news release. "By fatally stabbing Mr. Cisneros and then attempting to take the life of the victim's wife who bravely tried to intervene, he demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the safety of our community. This sentence sends our ongoing and clear message that such violent, reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated."

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. Cisneros's wife, Vilma 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 May 14. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy. Tuohy did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.