Man Faces Charges For Fatally Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Roosevelt man has been arraigned on murder charges for the stabbing death of his former girlfriend in front of their two-year-old child, prosecutors said.

Jose William Funes-Zabala, 43, was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

"Enraged that his former girlfriend had begun dating, this defendant allegedly viciously stabbed Brenda Guadoloupe Alfaro Alcantara more than 30 times while their 2-year-old child disturbingly watched," said Donnelly. “The horrifying scene, and the child smeared with his mother’s blood, were discovered after repeated attempts by family to contact the victim were unsuccessful."

On October 4, an order of protection against Funes-Zabala, issued on behalf of the victim, 29-year-old Brenda Guadoloupe Alfaro Alcantara, had expired, prosecutors said.

The next day, at approximately 5:58 p.m., he visited Alfaro Alcantara’s basement apartment on Botsford Street in Hempstead to see their two-year-old son, Donnelly said.

An argument allegedly began between him and the victim when Funes-Zabala learned that Alfaro-Alcantara had started dating. He then allegedly stabbed her approximately 35 times in her bedroom with their son present, Donnelly said.

An hour later, Funes-Zabala allegedly walked out of the basement apartment with what appeared to be blood on his face. He then fled the residence, leaving the child, who was uninjured, behind, the D.A.'s office said.

Funes-Zabala, who pleaded not guilty, is represented by attorney Brian Carmody.

He is due back in court February 27. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison, Donnelly said.