THE stabbing of an Irish woman in a New York pub has been described as “unprovoked” and a “devastating loss” for her family.
The claim was made by District Attorney Melinda Katz after Marcin Pieciak, 36, appeared in court charged with the murder of his girlfriend Sarah McNally, 42.
Ms McNally, who previously worked for the Irish Prison Service and is from Longford, died after she was stabbed at the Ceili House bar in Queens last Saturday.
She was stabbed while working as a bartender in the pub.
Pieciak, who had been in a relationship with Sarah for several months, was arraigned from his hospital bed on Wednesday, where he is receiving treatment for serious wounds.
During Pieciak’s appearance in court, the hearing was also told that her death had shocked the community.
Ms Katz said: “It was unprovoked and we are using every resource to make sure there is accountability.
“This is an attack that has shocked the community.”
The Longford woman’s partner is also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
If convicted, he faces up to twenty five years in prison.
The court also heard the accused had also suffered self inflicted stab wounds.
As Pieciak appeared at Queens County Criminal Court, Ms McNally’s family are finalising her funeral arrangements.
According to the charge sheet, Pieciak arrived at the pub at 6.30pm where Ms McNally was working.
Once there, he is alleged to have stabbed the woman “multiple times”.
He’s then accused of stabbing himself before attempting to leave the bar as a customer raised the alarm.
Two knives were also recovered from the scene of the incident.
Funeral arrangements for the popular woman are expected to be announced today.
TOWN’S SADNESS
Following the incident, Longford Fianna Fail councillor Seamus Butler told of the town’s sadness over the local woman’s killing.
He said: “Our hearts go out to her family here in Longford and obviously when something like this happens overseas it’s so much more difficult.
“There are supports and hopefully the family are able to avail of them.”
Glennon Funeral Directors, from Longford, confirmed formal arrangements would be made on Friday.
They said: “The death has occurred of Sarah McNally, New York and Longford town, tragically on 30 March 2024.
“Sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, her loving mother Dorrie, dear father Des, grandmother Kathleen O’Connor, aunts, uncles, relatives, extended family and a wide circle of friends in Longford and New York.
“May she rest in peace.”
Following her death, tributes were also paid to her on social media.
Aunt Mary McNally said: “Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah – we are heartbroken. Love you always.”
Another aunt, Margaret Gaffey said: “Our beautiful niece was taken all too soon.”
Her cousin Petra Smith said: “My beautiful cousin – just can’t believe it.”
