Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Gelber Lopez Perez, 20, of Riverhead, who is accused of fatally stabbing Tony Fernando Alvarado Ajcuc, 26, also of Riverhead, near a busy traffic circle in Riverhead on a weekday afternoon.
“The alleged actions of this defendant showed a callous disregard for a human life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This fatal stabbing happened in the middle of a busy day just a stone’s throw from the Riverhead courthouse. This alleged crime is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”
According to the investigation, on June 6, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Lopez Perez was in Grangabel Park in Riverhead, having an argument with one of two friends he was with, when the victim showed up to the park and asked why they were arguing. Lopez Perez and the victim then allegedly got into a physical altercation.
After the altercation, the victim left the park on foot and crossed four lanes of traffic on Nugent Drive headed toward a nearby traffic circle. Witnesses observed Lopez Perez run after the victim across Nugent Drive, and then allegedly punch him in the head and neck, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Lopez Perez then allegedly jabbed at and stabbed the victim with a knife as the victim laid on the ground in a defensive posture.
When Lopez Perez learned the police were on the way, he allegedly fled toward the park. A witness took a photograph of Lopez Perez as he ran from the scene, which was later provided to police. The victim was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Less than a half hour later, police found and arrested Lopez Perez near Court Street and Griffing Avenue, a short distance from where the homicide occurred. Police also allegedly recovered a knife with what appeared to be blood stains from Lopez Perez’s waistband.
On June 15, 2023, Lopez Perez was arraigned on the indictment by County Court Judge, the Honorable Stephen L. Braslow, for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony. Judge Braslow ordered Lopez Perez to be held without bail during the pendency of the case.
Lopez Perez is due back in court on July 31, 2023, and is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald Esq. If convicted of the top count, Lopez Perez faces 25 years to life in prison.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Police Department Detective Michael Ronca of the Homicide Squad.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
