Homeless Man Pleads Guilty To Fatal Laundromat Stabbing: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — A homeless man pleaded guilty today on Wednesday to first-degree manslaughter for a March 2023 machete attack at a Valley Stream laundromat, prosecutors said.

Roberto Velasquez, 32, is expected to be sentenced to 21 1/2 years in prison at his March 15 court appearance, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

"On March 14, 2023, Robert Velasquez and Michael Oliver were both sleeping overnight at the 24-hour laundromat when an argument erupted and turned violent," said DA Donnelly. "Velasquez pulled a large machete out of his duffle bag and slashed at the victim multiple times, striking him in the leg and causing a massive injury with severe blood loss."

Velasquez, and several others, individuals were inside the 24-hour Laundry Palace on Merrick Road in Valley Stream. Velasquez was seated in a chair next to 58-year-old Michael Oliver. The two got into a verbal altercation, leading Velasquez to get up out of his chair, reach for a duffel bag, and hit Oliver with the bag, Donnelly said.

The contents of the bag spilled to the floor, revealing a large machete. Velasquez grabbed the machete and swung it at Oliver twice in the back, and once on the back of his left leg. Oliver fell to the ground, bleeding profusely. He died 10 days later.

"This defendant will be held accountable for his violent outburst and taking another life," Donnelly said.