A man and woman have confessed to their involvement in the fatal stabbing of a man on a walking and biking trail in Long Island.
In Suffolk County Court on Thursday, July 25, Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, from Port Jefferson Station, admitted to second-degree murder in the case of Benjamin Flores-Mendez’s death.
Months later, Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, a 21-year-old from Port Jefferson Station, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in relation to the same case.
Prosecutors allege that on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vazquez pursued Flores-Mendez, who was 39 years old, into the Port Jefferson entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail during the early hours.
The man acknowledged that he had stabbed someone, with Diaz-Cabrera keeping watch during the incident.
In March 2023, homicide detectives from Suffolk County Police apprehended both defendants.
In April 2024, Diaz-Cabrera admitted to first-degree manslaughter and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing of Martinez-Vazquez is set to take place on Wednesday, August 28th.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the individuals involved in this case plotted to viciously end the life of Benjamin Flores-Mendez. Furthermore, the heinous act was carried out in an area that is typically considered safe for pedestrians, hikers, and cyclists residing in Suffolk County.
“We firmly believe that violence should never be the solution to any problem. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will not stop until those responsible for such senseless acts are held accountable.”