Community rallies for family of Long Beach mother killed in stabbing spree

Support is pouring in for the family of a Long Beach mother of three killed during a stabbing spree last week that spanned Valley Stream and Island Park.

A community fundraiser for the family of Ana Maria del Aguila-Cordova, 42, has surpassed $13,000 in just two days.

The GoFundMe effort describes del Aguila-Cordova as a “vibrant spirit” and a devoted mother who was the backbone of her family.

Organized by family friend Sandra Macedo, the effort aims to cover funeral costs and provide immediate financial stability for the victim’s husband, Elvis Chavez, and their three children.

Police soon after arrested Rony Yahir Alvarenga-Rivera, 22, of El Salvador—who entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied 12-year-old in 2016. He has been arrested and charged in connection with the attacks that began Thursday night.

Investigators said the violence started about 9:30 p.m. at Alvarenga-Rivera’s home on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream. There, Alvarenga-Rivera is accused of fatally stabbing his roommate, 32-year-old Eddy Raquel Hernandez Castillo.

Hours later, police said the suspect went to the Island Park Wendy’s, where he worked alongside del Aguila-Cordova and attacked her while she was on duty.

The investigation into a motive behind the killings is ongoing.

Legacy of a devoted mom

Del Aguila-Cordova’s husband and children — Evan, 8, Jesse, 2, and Joseph, 22, who lives in Peru — now face the sudden loss of their primary support system.

Coworkers and friends remember del Aguila as a steady, hardworking presence.

“She loved her family, and they were her biggest motivation,” the fundraiser states.

Furthermore, she was described as a devoted employee with a strong work ethic.

“With her unwavering enthusiasm and love, she gained the admiration from her colleagues, friends, and family alike,” Macedo wrote. “This is thanks to a blend of warmth, dedication, and unwavering work ethic that she gave out to the world.”

_{Top: courtesy of GoFundMe}