A man wanted for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in Glen Cove two weeks ago was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Los Angeles this week, Nassau County police said.
Jose Cartagena, 54, waived extradition on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Yanira Estella Canjura Martinez, who had moved out of the home they shared weeks before the attack, authorities said.
“She moved out because of the deterioration of the relationship and he was not happy with her leaving,” Capt. John Azzata, commander of the Homicide Squad, told reporters during a news conference Wednesday at police headquarters.
Detectives alleged that Cartagena, who was familiar with the victim’s routine, stabbed her to death on Glen Street as she picked up her 5-year-old daughter at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The girl was nearby, but did not witness her mother’s murder, police have said.
Investigators ruled out robbery as a motive quickly after finding that the victim’s purse was not stolen.
“Surveillance recording from the area also confirmed the theory that robbery was not a motive,” Det. Lt. John Nagle of Glen Cove city police said.
Glen Cove detectives worked with Nassau police and federal authorities in tracking the suspect to California, where he started a job picking grapes on a farm Monday.
Cartagena was arrested the same day. He is expected to arrive on Long Island to face the charge in seven to 14 days, officials added.
The victim’s daughter is in the custody of Child Protective Services, which is determining where she will live, Azzata said.
