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The man accused of fatally stabbing his estranged wife inside her Farmingville home pleaded not guilty Tuesday at his arraignment in Suffolk First District Court in Central Islip and was remanded without bail.
Marcos Leal, 57, was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree criminal contempt and endangering the welfare of a child. A judge also issued a temporary order of protection.
The charges stem from Thursday’s violent domestic incident in the family’s Granny Road home, cops said.
Officers responding to a 911 call found Adriana Barbosa, 46, suffering from stab wounds inside the residence, police said. The couple’s teenage daughter Kayla was also injured during the attack.
Additionally, Leal, police said, had stabbed himself in the incident.
Barbosa was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The teen was treated at the same hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police also went to the hospital, while he was under guard until his arraignment.
In the days since the killing, the Farmingville community and members of the local Brazilian faith community have rallied around Barbosa’s daughters, Kayla and Kathellen.
Massive support for surviving sisters
Multiple online fundraising efforts have collectively raised tens of thousands of dollars to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, legal costs, counseling services and living expenses.
Barbosa was originally from Brazil, as is Leal. Barbosa was a devout evangelist, who belonged locally to the Brazilian Gospel Church in Selden.
A campaign organized by the church has raised more than $25,000, describing Barbosa as “a truly extraordinary woman” whose “kindness was natural, her laughter contagious, and her strength inspiring.” Other efforts launched by friends and longtime employers have generated additional support as the sisters move forward without their mother.
Leal remains in custody. His case is scheduled to return to court at a later date.
Top: Adriana Barbosa and Marcos Leal (Facebook/Adriana Paulino Barbosa)
