On Friday, August 1, 2024, at approximately 10:20 PM, patrol units from the Mount Vernon Police Department were dispatched to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital in response to a report of a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered 37-year-old Mount Vernon resident Michael Clay had suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and arm. Sadly, Mr. Clay was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Shortly after, MVPD officers located and secured a crime scene in front of 204 Union Avenue. Detectives immediately commenced an investigation, swiftly identifying the suspect as 34-year-old Mount Vernon resident Ronald “Eueu” Hechavarria. Further investigation revealed that Hechavarria had fled New York State shortly after the incident and was located in Norfolk, Virginia.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, with the assistance of the Norfolk Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Norfolk, and the Westchester County FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Hechavarria was apprehended at an apartment complex in Norfolk.
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Warrant Fugitive Unit transported Hechavarria from Norfolk, Virginia, to the MVPD. He was handed over to Major Case detectives and officially booked on charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, Ronald Hechavarria was arraigned at Westchester County Court on these charges and was subsequently remanded to the Westchester County Jail.
The Mount Vernon Police Department would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Norfolk Police Department, the Norfolk FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Westchester County FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Warrant Fugitive Unit for their invaluable assistance and collaboration in ensuring justice is served.
