Venezuelan National Indicted for Attempted Murder in Gilgo Beach Stabbing

Ruben Guanipa Ramirez, 26, a Venezuelan national, was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury on Attempted Murder in the Second Degree after he allegedly crept behind an acquaintance at Gilgo Beach, covered the man's mouth with a black cloth, and stabbed him in the left side before attempting to slash his throat. The victim survived, fought Ramirez off, and drove himself back to Queens in Ramirez's own car to meet police.

The alleged attack is unrelated to the long-running Gilgo Beach serial homicide investigation. It stems from a separate episode on February 28, 2026, in which Ramirez allegedly picked up the victim at his Queens home and took him on a night that began ordinarily enough: the two played pool at Sport Billiard Pool Hall in Baldwin before Ramirez, behind the wheel of a black 2024 Lexus NX250, drove west to Jones Beach and then east along the barrier island to Gilgo. Prosecutors say the attack occurred as the pair walked back toward the vehicle from the shoreline.

After the victim escaped with the car, Ramirez was found and arrested the same day, walking along the Long Island Expressway in Nassau County. A search of the Lexus turned up three kitchen knives, rope, duct tape, blankets, plastic drop cloths, a large-wheeled bag, gloves, and a boxcutter. Prosecutors argued that inventory pointed to premeditation.

"This defendant allegedly drove a man that he knew to a remote beach and attacked him from behind with a knife," said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. "The evidence recovered from his vehicle raises serious questions about what he intended that night. We are committed to holding him accountable for the full extent of his alleged conduct."

Ramirez pleaded not guilty to second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault during his March 31 arraignment in Suffolk County Court. Justice Collins set bail at $200,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2 million partially secured bond. Ramirez, represented by the Legal Aid Society, is due back in court April 29. A conviction on the top count carries 5 to 25 years in state prison.

The case cuts to a recurring challenge for Suffolk County law enforcement: Gilgo Beach and the narrow barrier island that flanks it are remote, sparsely lit, and difficult to patrol year-round, yet they draw visitors from across the metropolitan area, including people traveling from New York City late at night. The episode began in Queens, crossed two counties before the assault, and required cooperation between New York City police, Nassau County, and Suffolk County investigators to piece together. With beach season approaching, the question of how Suffolk patrols that shoreline, and what emergency communication infrastructure exists there, carries fresh urgency.

The DA's office urged anyone with additional information about the case to contact Suffolk County police or prosecutors directly.