MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Hempstead man has been indicted for killing his girlfriend after an argument in their apartment last month.
Alan Espinoza, 26, was arraigned today on charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree (an A-I violent felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree (an A misdemeanor). Nassau County Supreme Court Justice William Donnino held Espinoza without bail and set a next court date of Sept. 18 Espinoza faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge.
“Domestic violence is a scourge on our communities and this murder is an example of its horrific consequences,” Acting DA Singas said. “A young woman’s life was tragically cut short, and we will do everything in our power to ensure this defendant pays a heavy price for this despicable crime.”
Acting DA Singas said that Espinoza killed his girlfriend, 24-year-old Neyvin Espinal, after an argument in their Hempstead apartment last month. Espinoza is alleged to have slashed his victim in the neck, causing her death. The weapon was not recovered. Hempstead Police arrived at the scene after a 911 call about the discovery of Espinal’s body around 4 p.m. on June 20. After an investigation, Espinoza was arrested by the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad in Hempstead at around 1:45 a.m. on June 21.
Assistant District Attorney Ania Pulaski of Acting DA Singas’ Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting the case. Espinoza is represented by Joseph Lo Piccolo, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.