MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Roosevelt man has been indicted on murder charges for allegedly stabbing his former girlfriend more than 30 times in her Hempstead home while their two-year-old child was in the room, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced.
Jose William Funes-Zabala, 43, was arraigned Monday before Judge Howard Sturim on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors say the attack occurred on October 5, 2024, when Funes-Zabala visited the basement apartment of his former girlfriend, 29-year-old Brenda Guadoloupe Alfaro Alcantara, on Botsford Street in Hempstead. An argument allegedly broke out after Funes-Zabala learned she had started dating someone new. He then stabbed her approximately 35 times in her bedroom while their child was present.
At approximately 6:58 p.m., Funes-Zabala was seen leaving the apartment with what appeared to be blood on his face, according to authorities. He fled the scene, leaving the child behind. The victim’s family later discovered the gruesome scene after being unable to contact her.
Funes-Zabala was arrested on October 6, 2024, at Nassau University Medical Center by the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad.
“We are committed to ensuring justice for Brenda and her loved ones as we prosecute this case,” said DA Donnelly.