Posted on: October 10, 2019 12:00 PM

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Corona resident charged with murder for fatal stabbing of man after baby Christening party

Acting Queens District Attorney John M. Ryan today announced that a 47-year-old Corona resident has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of a 22-year-old man outside of a baby christening party held on September 29, 2019, in Corona, Queens. The defendant argued with the victim just before allegedly plunging a knife into the man?s torso.

Acting District Attorney Ryan said, ?The defendant allegedly ended a joyous occasion - a baby christening - with a brutal slaying. This is a senseless act of violence. The defendant is now in custody and if convicted faces spending the rest of his life incarcerated.?

The District Attorney?s Office identified the defendant as Antonio Martinez, 47, of 98th Street in Corona, Queens. Martinez was arraigned yesterday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Jeffrey Gershuny on a complaint charging him with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Judge Gershuny remanded the defendant and set his return date for November 18, 2019. If convicted, Martinez faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to the charges, said Acting DA Ryan, shortly before 12:30 a.m. on September 29, 2019, Martinez approached the victim, Roque Alvarez-Montes at 98 Street and 37 Avenue. Moments later, an argument between the two men ensued and the defendant allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the chest. The 22-year-old victim was removed to a nearby hospital, where he died. (From Queens DA's office)

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.