Glen Cove man Erick Efren Corado Gonzalez, 27, was arraigned on Oct. 22 for the murder of his estranged mother-in-law, Ana Ruth Espinoza, 51, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
If convicted, he faces up to 50 years to life in prison, the department said.
The incident occurred at La Candela II restaurant in West Hempstead on Sept. 29, according to the NCPD. Police said Espinoza was leaving the restaurant with her family when the incident occurred.
“Ana Ruth Espinoza was out with family celebrating her daughter’s birthday at a West Hempstead restaurant and saying her goodbyes when she was allegedly ambushed by Erick Gonzalez, her daughter’s estranged husband, and ruthlessly stabbed seven times,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
Gonzalez was not invited to the birthday celebration, NCPD said. As party-goers left the restaurant after midnight, he approached Espinoza in the parking lot, police said.
“Ana’s husband tried to stop the defendant’s alleged rampage but was slashed in the hand when he intervened. Tragically, Ana’s injuries were too severe, and she died later that morning at the hospital. Our thoughts are with her family and friends as they continue to mourn her violent and senseless death,” Donnelly said.
Gonzalez stabbed her seven times, police said. Police said she was stabbed in the neck.
Espinoza’s husband attempted to intervene, and Gonzalez stabbed his hand, Donnelly said. Gonzalez allegedly pointed an imitation gun at Espinoza’s adult son as well.
The attack allegedly took place in front of Gonzalez’s two-year-old son.
After the incident, Gonzalez fled to New Jersey, where the local authorities arrested him, police said.
Espinoza and her husband were taken to Winthrop Hospital for treatment, where Espinoza was pronounced dead at 3:58 a.m.
Police recovered a knife from the parking lot and an imitation pistol was found in the trunk of Gonzalez’s car, NCPD said.
Gonzalez faces charges for murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and endangering the welfare of a child.
He will appear in court on Nov. 4. If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 50 years to life in prison.
Information provided by the Nassau County Police Department
