Long Island Man Charged with Murder After Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend Over 30 Times in Front of Child

The attack occurred a day after a protective order against the suspect expired, leaving a 2-year-old boy as the sole witness to the crime.

Jose William Funes-Zabala, 43, is accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Brenda Guadalupe Alfaro-Alcantara, 29, in her Hempstead apartment on October 5, 2024.
The attack reportedly stemmed from Funes-Zabala's anger over Alfaro-Alcantara beginning a new relationship, as detailed by prosecutors.
The couple's 2-year-old son witnessed the violent act and was left alone with his dying mother until family members discovered the scene after hours of failed contact.
Funes-Zabala was arrested the following day and has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder, weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
If convicted, Funes-Zabala faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison; his next court appearance is scheduled for February 27, 2025.