UPDATE: Port Chester Man Charged With Murder In Stabbing Case

A Port Chester man faces murder charges after his arrest in the stabbing death of a village man earlier this month, according to police.

Julio Cortez, 53, was charged with second-degree murder. He's currently in lock-up at police headquarters, and is scheduled for arraignment tody at 4 p.m. in village court.

Cortez is accused of 23-year-old Carlos Guiracocha in the early morning hours of Feb. 7. Police found Guiracocha in front of 131 Poningo St. a few minutes before 4 a.m., and paramedics who arrived a short time later declared Guiracocha dead at the scene. 

Cortez lives at 66 Poningo St., less than 200 feet from the murder scene.

Police recovered a knife, which they believe was the murder weapon. Cortez and Guiracocha may have been drinking together before an argument that turned fatal, according to police.

It's not clear what sparked the argument, but a despondent Guiracocha before his death, telling them he was in danger. In the days following the murder, and again today after the arrest, police stressed that it "does not appear to be a random act of violence."

Trustee Luis Marino, who has been in contact with Guiracocha's family and attended wake and funeral services in his memory, said Wednesday he was relieved when he found out police had made an arrest. He praised Port Chester detectives for following leads and tracking down Guiracocha's alleged killer; family members, he said, are grateful for possible closure.

Detectives believe there are witnesses who may have additional information about the argument and stabbing the night of Feb. 7. Anyone with information can call the Port Chester Police Department at 914-939-8419. All calls will be kept confidential.

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