Suspect in deadly Long Island stabbings lived with both victims, worked with 1 of them, police say
Police identified the suspect in the deadly stabbing of two women on Long Island, saying he lived with both of them, and worked with one of them.
Nassau County Police said it started early Friday morning outside a Wendy's in Island Park. That's where, according to her family, Ana Maria Del Aguila Cordova, was stabbed to death. She's a mother of two from Long Beach.
How the investigation unfolded
Early Friday morning, police were called to the scene at the Wendy's for a report of a person with a knife, Det. Lt. George Darienzo said.
"When the officers responded, they observed a young lady laying on the ground, with blood. The officers administered first aid and pronounced that 42-year-old female deceased," Darienzo said.
Darienzo said surveillance videos and photos were recovered while they were processing the Wendy's crime scene. A suspect who matched a person seen in the surveillance videos and photos was spotted near a 7-Eleven in Lynbrook.
"Officers responded and that individual said he had killed somebody that night," Darienzo said. "A short conversation ensued, and an arrest was made."
While they were taking the suspect into custody, police became aware he may be responsible for a second murder at a home on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream, Darienzo said. Officers made a wellness check at that home, and found another woman dead. That victim was 32 years old. Police said she was likely killed at 9 p.m. on April 30, before the other woman was discovered murdered at Wendy's.
"Both females were killed by multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso," Darienzo said.
What we know about the suspect
Police identified the suspect as Rony Alvarenga Rivera. He's facing murder charges. Darienzo said the suspect and the women all lived in the same household, renting bedrooms.
Alvarengo Rivero also worked at the Wendy's, Darienzo said. He's originally from El Salvador.
"Our hearts go out to the two individuals who were murdered," Blakeman said. "But I want to stress that this didn't have to happen."
Blakeman, who is running for governor, said the suspect came to the United States in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor.
"This is a policy that has resulted today in two women being killed," Blakeman said. "They could've gone on to have very productive and happy lives. But they're no longer with us because of failed policies in the past."
"We want justice, because this is insane," Cordova's niece Maria Soto told CBS News New York. "We want justice, justice for Ana."
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our hearts are with the victim's family and loved ones. The safety and well-being of our employees remains a top priority, and our focus right now is on supporting our team during this difficult time," Wendy's said in a statement.
