Deadly 2024 Stabbing In Mount Vernon Sends Westchester Man To Prison

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Westchester man who was a fugitive from justice has been sentenced for a 2024 fatal stabbing in Mount Vernon.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 36-year-old Ronald Hechavarria, of Mount Vernon, was sentenced on Friday to 25 years in state prison, in addition to five years post-release supervision.

Hechavarria pleaded guilty in January to felony first-degree manslaughter for stabbing another Mount Vernon man to death in 2024.

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"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family," DA Cacace said. "We hope that this strong sentence brings some closure and solace to the Clay family. I am thankful for the collaborative efforts of our partners in law enforcement and our prosecutors for their efforts in this case."

On Aug. 1, 2024, Hechavarria stabbed 37-year-old Mount Vernon resident Michael Clay several times, causing his death.

After killing Clay, Hechavarria then fled to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was later arrested as a fugitive from justice and returned to Westchester County.

The case was investigated by the Mount Vernon Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, and the Norfolk Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Gangs and Violent Crime Bureau Chief James Bavero and Assistant DAs Kevin Jones and Leigh Wellington.