A man identified as a migrant has been apprehended and charged with the stabbing deaths of two women in separate incidents that occurred just hours apart in Nassau County, New York. Local officials are using this case to highlight ongoing debates surrounding federal immigration policies.
The suspect, 22-year-old Rony Yahir Alvarenga Rivera, is facing charges that include one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. Authorities reported that Rivera approached police officers voluntarily, confessing he had committed a murder earlier that evening.
The violent events took place at two different sites within Nassau County in a short time span.
The first victim, a 42-year-old woman, was discovered around 12:30 a.m. on Friday outside a Wendy’s on Austin Boulevard in North Long Beach. Responding to a report of a person armed with a knife, officers found the woman suffering from multiple stab wounds. Sadly, she was declared dead at the scene.
During an unrelated welfare check at a home on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream, officers uncovered the second victim.
Meanwhile, as the initial investigation was underway, authorities were notified about a man seeking help on Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook. Upon arrival, officers were informed by the man that he had killed someone, prompting the involvement of homicide detectives.
During the investigation, authorities said they learned the suspect may have been involved in a second killing.
Officers conducting a welfare check at a residence on Mineola Ave in Valley Stream discovered a second victim, a 32-year-old woman, dead inside the home. Police said both victims suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso.
Police say the suspect worked with one of the victims at a Wendy’s for around one year. (WNYC)
Investigators said the suspect knew both women. The 42-year-old victim worked with the suspect at the Wendy’s, while the second victim lived in the same home, where residents shared common spaces but had separate bedrooms, they said.
Police said the Valley Stream killing is believed to have occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Friday, following the earlier stabbing in Long Beach.
Nassau Detective Lt. George D’Arienzo speaks alongside law enforcement officers at a press conference on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (WNYW)
When asked about a motive, Nassau Det. Lt. George D’Arienzo said it could be summed up in one word: “anger.”
Authorities said the victims have not yet been publicly identified as officials work to notify family members. Police noted that the older victim had two young children.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the suspect entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor and was later allowed to remain, arguing the killings highlight failures in federal immigration policy and so-called “open borders” approaches. Police have not publicly confirmed the suspect’s immigration status.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
