A 26-year-old Venezuelan national, Ruben Guanipa Ramirez, has been indicted on charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault after prosecutors say a late-winter trip to Gilgo Beach turned into a near-fatal attack. Prosecutors allege Ramirez stabbed an acquaintance and tried to slit his throat on the isolated stretch of shoreline. The man survived, fought back, and managed to drive to a friend’s home in Queens, where he was taken to a hospital. Authorities say the attack happened on Feb. 28, and Ramirez was arraigned on March 31.
Prosecutors' account
According to prosecutors, the day began in Queens, where Ramirez allegedly picked up the victim before taking him first to a pool hall in Baldwin, then to Jones Beach, and eventually to a remote parking area at Gilgo Beach. As the two walked back to the car, Ramirez is accused of covering the man’s mouth with a black cloth, stabbing him in the left side, and then trying to cut his throat.
The victim reportedly managed to wrestle the knife away, escape in Ramirez’s vehicle, and later call 911 after fleeing the scene. These allegations were detailed by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and reported by News 12 New York.
Evidence recovered
When officers searched Ramirez’s 2024 Lexus NX250, authorities say they found three knives, including one that appeared to be bloodied, along with rope, duct tape, blankets, plastic drop cloths, a large-wheeled bag, gloves, and a box cutter. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney called the allegations chilling, saying in a statement that "this defendant allegedly drove a man that he knew to a remote beach and attacked him from behind with a knife." The DA’s remarks and the detailed list of items recovered were reported by Greater Long Island.
Court and charges
Ramirez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. A judge ordered him held on $200,000 cash bail, $500,000 bond, or a $2 million partially secured bond while the case moves forward. If convicted of the top count, he faces a potential sentence of between five and 25 years in prison. The Legal Aid Society is representing him, and he is scheduled to return to Suffolk County court on April 29, according to Patch.
Why Gilgo Beach matters
The case is drawing extra scrutiny because of where it unfolded. Gilgo Beach, along Ocean Parkway on Long Island’s South Shore, has been synonymous for years with the so-called Gilgo Beach killings. Prosecutors are currently preparing to accept a guilty plea from suspected killer Rex Heuermann at a hearing set for April 8, the Associated Press reports.
Authorities say there is no known connection between Ramirez’s case and the long-running serial killing investigation. Still, some retired investigators and crime watchers have voiced concern about the potential for copycat behavior, a pattern that has been noted in coverage by national outlets.
Prosecutors say the investigation into the Gilgo Beach attack remains active, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office or local law enforcement. Officials say more details could emerge as the case progresses in court. Ramirez is due back in Suffolk County court on April 29 for the next scheduled proceeding.
