A migrant from El Salvador who has been living illegally in the United States since the age of 12 is accused of stabbing two women to death within hours on the same night in New York. Rony Yahir Alvarenga Rivera, 22, faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in Nassau County, according to ABC 7.
Details of the incidents
The first killing occurred around 9 p.m. Thursday at a Valley Stream home that Rivera shared with his 32-year-old roommate. The victim, whose name has not been released, was found dead at the residence. Investigators say Rivera then went to a nearby Wendy's, where he worked, and around midnight, police responded to reports of a person with a knife. Officers discovered a 42-year-old mother of two, also a coworker of Rivera, dead at the fast-food restaurant. Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.
Arrest and motive
While investigating the Wendy's homicide, a 911 call reported a man needing help at a nearby 7-Eleven. Police found Rivera there, and he confessed to killing someone. He was arrested and linked to both murders. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, but Nassau County Police Homicide Commander George Darienzo described Rivera's state of mind as "angry."
