Man Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Co-Worker to Death, Injuring Wife

Cisneros family photo

A Huntington Station man pleaded guilty Tuesday in the killing of a co-worker and the stabbing of the victim’s wife.

Candelario Cordova, 54, admitted killing Roque Cisneros, 58,  on Feb.16, 2023. Police said that the two, who were friends and co-workers, were both sitting in the defendant’s SUV that was parked in front of Cisneros’ home. Cisneros’ wife, who was looking out of her kitchen window, saw Cordova seated in the driver’s seat and trying to get Cisneros out of the vehicle.

Cordova then suddenly drove away with Cisneros still in the SUV, so Cisneros’ wife, Vilma Campos,  jumped into her car and followed them to Oakwood Road. There, Cordova stopped and retrieved a knife from the trunk of the car, which he proceeded to use to stab Cisneros to death and when Campos tried to stop him, he slashed and stabbed her as well, District Attorney Ray Tierney said. Passersby intervened and subdued Candelaria until police arrived.

“Unfortunately, in addition to witnessing the trauma of her husband being stabbed to death by the defendant, the victim’s wife also endured her own horrific injuries during the defendant’s attack,”  Tierney said.  “I hope that the defendant’s plea today brings some measure of closure and relief to the victim’s wife and family.”

Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple stab and incise knife wounds. Cisneros’ wife was taken to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for her stab wounds.

Cordova pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to
Manslaughter in the First Degree, and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, both Class B violent felonies. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 20, 2024, where he is expected to receive 30 years in prison. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy.

Update: Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing on Oakwood Road

Passersby Intervened to Stop Stabbing, DA Says

Man Indicted in Fatal Stabbing on Oakwood Road

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