Spring Valley man indicted for murder in February apartment stabbing death of partner

NEW CITY - A Rockland grand jury has indicted a 37-year-old man for murder in the stabbing of his live-in companion inside their Spring Valley apartment.

Spring Valley police arrested Warle Fernandez-Arias hours after officers found Carolyn Canela stabbed to death on Feb. 23 inside 149 Snedens Place West at the Hillcrest Point Apartments.

"As alleged, the heinous actions of the defendant in this case resulted in the death of an innocent victim," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh said in a statement. "I commend the investigation by all of the law enforcement agencies involved. My office is committed to getting justice for the victim and her loved ones."

Fernandez-Arias could face a maximum prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of the second-degree murder count handed up by the grand jury. The minimum sentence is 15 years to life.

Fernandez-Arias pleaded not guilty to the felony charge before County Court Judge Anne Bianchi in the Rockland County Courthouse. The judge ordered him held without bail in the county jail. The Rockland Public Defender's Office represents Fernandez-Arias.

SPRING VALLEY: Man charged with killing live-in companion in co-op apartment

Police said Canela's death was domestic-related. She and Fernandez-Arias shared the apartment. He told investigators they were married but her family disputed that relationship.

Jose Garcia, a family member, said on Feb. 23 that Canela immigrated to the United States from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. She and Fernandez-Arias had lived in the 296-unit cooperative for three years.

Police found her dead during a welfare check at the apartment.

"We were trying to contact her this morning and then we got the call," Garcia said, standing with Canela's aunt and other relatives.

Canela's death marked the county's second homicide in 2024.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.