Spring Valley, NY – A tragic incident unfolded at Hillcrest Point in Spring Valley when 37-year-old Warle Fernandez-Arias was charged with the murder of his 36-year-old wife, Carolyn Canela, inside their apartment. The discovery was made by officers who were prompted to check on Canela’s welfare after receiving a call from family members residing in New York City.
Fernandez-Arias is facing second-degree murder charges, which carry a potential sentence of 15 to 25 years to life in prison upon conviction. The exact cause of Canela’s death is yet to be determined pending an autopsy by the Rockland Medical Examiner’s Office, as stated by the authorities.
Authorities indicated that the couple shared the apartment, pointing to a domestic-related nature of the incident. This tragic event marks the second homicide in Rockland County for the year 2024, shedding light on the disturbing reality of domestic violence within households.
Family members, including Jose Garcia and Canela’s aunt, expressed their shock and devastation upon receiving the tragic news. Canela, originally from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, had been residing with Fernandez-Arias in the cooperative of 296 units for three years.
Pamela Alexander, president of the Hillcrest Point cooperative board, mentioned the unprecedented nature of such violence in the complex, emphasizing its typically peaceful and well-maintained environment. The presence of law enforcement officials conducting investigations added an air of somber reflection among residents like Henry Felix, who expressed disbelief at the unusual sight of police vehicles in the area.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, Spring Valley police are collaborating with various agencies to gather information and piece together the events leading to Canela’s untimely demise. Detectives are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in seeking justice for the victim.