Man Admits To Fatal Stabbing At Long Island Deli: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Salvadorian national admitted to fatally stabbing a man outside of a Copiague deli in May 2023, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Wednesday.

Gherson Lopez, 29, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of 34-year-old Jose Argueta-Canales, the DA said. Lopez faces 20 years in prison, followed by five years post-release supervision.

"No legal outcome can bring back Mr. Argueta-Canales but now this defendant will be held accountable for his actions," Tierney said in a news release. "Our office remains committed to prosecuting violent crimes to the full extent of the law."

On May 15, 2023, Lopez and Argueta-Canales were smoking outside of a Copiague deli when they got in an argument, prosecutors said. The altercation turned physical, but the fight ended when Lopez complained that he hurt his hand during the scuffle, authorities said.

Lopez and Argueta-Canales then shook hands, and the Argueta-Canales sat down on a bench near the deli and began eating, investigators said.

The two men exchanged words again as Argueta-Canales was seated on the bench, when Lopez stood over Argueta-Canales and stabbed him in the chest twice, causing his death, prosecutors said.

Lopez pleaded guilty to the felony on Wednesday, Tierney said. He is due back in court on Aug. 13 and is being represented by Christopher Gioe.