HUNTINGTON, NY – Candelario Cordova, a 54-year-old resident of Huntington Station, has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree attempted murder. The charges stem from a brutal incident on February 16, 2023, that resulted in the death of his friend, 58-year-old Roque Cisneros, and serious injuries to Cisneros’ wife.
The tragic event began when Cordova and Cisneros, who were friends and co-workers, were sitting in Cordova’s SUV parked outside Cisneros’ home. Cisneros’ wife witnessed the two men arguing from her kitchen window. Cordova then drove away with Cisneros still in the vehicle, prompting his wife to follow them in her own car. Cordova stopped on Oakwood Road, where he retrieved a long knife from the trunk and began stabbing Cisneros multiple times. When Cisneros’ wife attempted to intervene, Cordova attacked her as well, inflicting serious injuries before being subdued by passing motorists who witnessed the scene.
Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple stab wounds, while his wife was taken to Huntington Hospital for treatment. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney expressed hope that Cordova’s guilty plea would bring some closure to the victims’ family.
Cordova is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2024, and is expected to receive a 30-year prison term.
This case has been handled by Assistant District Attorneys Frank Schroeder and Patrick Fedun, with Detective Michael Ronca of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad leading the investigation.
