Carmen Iris Santiago (Facebook) and Tu S’tilo Salon and Spa (Google Maps Dec. 2017)
Feb. 13, 2020 By Allie Griffin
A Corona man will serve 25 years in prison for fatally stabbing his estranged wife at the Jackson Heights salon where she worked — in front of horrified onlookers.
William Rivas, 39, was given the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the first-degree at Queens Supreme Court today, the District Attorney announced.
Rivas entered Tu S’tilo Salon and Spa, located at 93-05 37th Ave., shortly before 7 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2019, where his estranged wife Carmen Iris Santiago was working. He argued with 35-year-old Santiago until the salon owner escorted him outside, according to the charges.
A few moments later, however, Rivas barged back into the salon and pulled out a long knife. He repeatedly stabbed Santiago in her chest in front of her coworkers and customers, the charges state.
When police arrived at the scene, Rivas was laying on top of his bleeding wife, according to the charges. Santiago, a mother of two children, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injuries.
“Today’s sentence of the court punishes this defendant for committing this fatal domestic violence attack against his estranged wife, whom he repeatedly stabbed in front of horrified onlookers at her workplace,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Rivas will have five years of post-release supervision, following the 25 years he serves in prison.
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