Full Breakdown
Double Stabbing Deaths Shock Nassau County: Suspect Arrested After Two Women Killed in Separate Locations
5/3/2026, 7:05:58 AM
The Fatal Stabbings in Island Park and Valley Stream
Early Friday morning, Nassau County police responded to two separate homicide scenes. At approximately 12:30 a.m., a 42-year-old woman was found stabbed to death outside a Wendy’s restaurant on Austin Boulevard in Island Park. Hours later, officers conducting a welfare check at a residence on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream discovered a 32-year-old woman dead from multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso. Detectives linked the two attacks and placed the same suspect at both scenes.
Background and Victim Profile
The Island Park victim was identified as Ana Maria del Aguila-Cordova, a mother of two who worked the late shift at the Wendy’s. The Valley Stream victim was identified as Eddy Raquel Hernandez Castillo, a neighbor of the suspect. Police said the three adults shared a rented house and that the suspect, Rony Yahir Alvarenga Rivera, 22, was a coworker of Cordova at the restaurant. Alvarenga Rivera entered the United States in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor from El Salvador.
Timeline of the Attacks and Arrest
- April 30, 2024 (?9 p.m.) – Castillo is believed to have been stabbed at her Valley Stream home.
- May 1, 2024, 12:30 a.m. – Cordova is stabbed outside the Wendy’s in Island Park.
- May 1, 2024, shortly after 3 a.m. – Police locate Alvarenga Rivera at a 7-Eleven on Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook; he confesses to the killings and is taken into custody.
- May 1, 2024, evening – Nassau County Police announce the arrest and indicate a briefing will be held Saturday.
- May 2, 2024 – The suspect is scheduled for arraignment on first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder.
Data and Statistics
- Victims: 2 women, ages 42 and 32.
- Injuries: Multiple stab wounds to neck and torso in each case.
- Suspect: 22-year-old male, charged with one count first-degree murder and two counts second-degree murder.
- Arrest location: 7-Eleven, Lynbrook, approximately five miles from the Wendy’s site.
Official Statements and Responses
Detective Lieutenant George Darienzo described the investigation as “tight-lipped” pending further evidence and noted that surveillance footage helped identify the suspect. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed condolences, stating the tragedy could have been avoided and linking it to broader immigration-policy concerns. Wendy’s issued a corporate statement emphasizing sorrow for the victims and a commitment to employee safety. Police announced a Saturday briefing to detail the suspect’s relationship to the victims and to address community questions.
Community Criticism and Concerns
Residents described the neighborhoods as “very quiet” and expressed shock at the sudden violence. Several locals highlighted a perceived lack of communication and an escalation to “violent” responses when conflicts arise. The incidents have prompted calls for increased safety measures and for addressing underlying social tensions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on whether Alvarenga Rivera “turned himself in” after calling police or was arrested following a routine response to a 7-Eleven call. The exact timing of Castillo’s death is also disputed; some reports place it on Thursday night, while others suggest it was discovered after the Wendy’s attack. Police have not released a motive, and the victims’ identities were initially withheld by some outlets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want justice, because, this is insane,” — Maria Soto, niece of Ana Maria del Aguila-Cordova
- “So unusual to see this many cop cars” — Deryck Young, local resident
- “Our hearts go out to the two individuals who were murdered,” — Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive
- “ "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our hearts are with the victim's family and loved ones.” — Wendy’s corporate statement
- “People don't, nobody knows how to communicate and use their words.” — Marissa Plesser, resident
- “It’s scary, it’s very scary,” — Angela Bleuler, Valley Stream resident
What’s Next
A police briefing is slated for Saturday to clarify the suspect’s connection to the victims and to address community safety concerns. The arraignment on May 2 will determine whether the charges proceed to trial. Local officials have indicated that additional resources may be allocated to improve neighborhood security and to support the families of the victims.
