3-29-2023 1:01am

2 People Indicted For Brutal 2021 Port Jeff Murder Of Landscaper: DA

Samantha Hespos Editor

Port Jefferson, NY

According to the district attorney, the pair pursued the landscaper into the Setauket-Greenway Walking Trail and subsequently inflicted fatal stab wounds upon him.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that there has been an indictment for the 2021 murder of a landscaper on the Setauket-Greenway Walking Trail, and the individuals involved are two residents of Port Jefferson.

Charged with second-degree murder, Jose Martinez-Vazquez, aged 24, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, aged 20, who are both residents of Port Jefferson, appeared before County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis.

On Tuesday, Diaz-Cabrera had his arraignment, while Martinez-Vazquez was arraigned on the indictment on Wednesday.

An investigation has revealed that on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vazquez and Diaz-Cabrera pursued Benjamin Flores-Mendez, aged 39, and tracked him to the entrance of the Setauket-Greenway Walking Trail in Port Jefferson Station.

According to prosecutors, the two individuals allegedly worked together in the stabbing death of Flores-Mendez. Flores-Mendez was found at the paved entrance of the trail with at least 10 stab wounds around 1 a.m.

According to District Attorney Tierney, the defendants reportedly pursued the victim and committed a violent assault against him. The attack was pointless and ruthless, as the victim was an unsuspecting, blameless individual. Seeking justice for Mr. Flores-Mendez and his family is the main objective, as they gather proof for this atrocious act.

According to authorities, Martinez-Vazquez and Diaz-Cabrera were taken into custody on March 5th.

Diaz-Cabrera is scheduled to appear in court again on April 25th, while Martinez-Vazquez, her co-defendant, was presented with the charges on Wednesday and will have his next court hearing on April 26th, 2023.

Judge Wilutis instructed that neither defendant be released on bail.