An undocumented immigrant has been charged with murder after Nassau County police said he fatally stabbed two women in separate attacks hours apart in Valley Stream and Island Park.
Rony Yahir Alvarenga-Rivera, 22, a native of El Salvador, is accused of killing a neighbor and a co-worker late Thursday into early Friday, according to police and prosecutors. Officials said he entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor at age 12.
Alvarenga-Rivera was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead and was ordered held without bail.
Police said the first killing happened around 9 p.m. Thursday at a home on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream. The victim, a 32-year-old woman, lived in the same house as the defendant, where both rented separate bedrooms with shared living spaces.
Authorities said the second victim, a 42-year-old woman, was attacked shortly after midnight Friday outside a Wendy’s on Austin Boulevard in Island Park. She worked at the restaurant alongside Alvarenga-Rivera.
Police said both victims were killed by multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.
According to investigators, the Valley Stream homicide occurred first Thursday night.
Around 12:30 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a person with a knife at the Wendy’s in Island Park. The second victim was found outside and pronounced dead at the scene.
While detectives were investigating that killing, police were alerted to a man seeking help at a 7-Eleven on Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook.
Authorities said Alvarenga-Rivera asked a clerk to call police and told responding officers he had killed someone. He was taken into custody at that location.
Police then linked him to the earlier killing in Valley Stream.
At arraignment, a prosecutor said Alvarenga-Rivera gave a full confession. He allegedly stabbed his neighbor upward of 50 times and left her inside the home, according to prosecutors.
Officials said police observed blood on his clothing and cuts on his hands when he turned himself in.
Police said the suspect knew both victims but have not identified a clear motive. Homicide officials described his state of mind as anger.
Authorities also said Alvarenga-Rivera had no prior arrests and no known gang affiliation.
Nassau County officials said Alvarenga-Rivera entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor and was later allowed to remain in the country under federal immigration policies.
First-degree murder is among the most serious charges under New York law and can carry a potential sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted. Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
Police have not released the victims’ names pending family notification.
The investigation remains ongoing as the case moves through the court system.
Photo NCPD
