Hempstead man gets 20 years in fatal stabbing

A Hempstead man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison in a fatal stabbing last year, Nassau authorities said.

Jose Gavarrete, 34, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in the March 7, 2012 stabbing of Herzon Torres Alvarado, authorities said.

The night of the killing, Gavarrete and his cousin Manuel Gavarrete, 21, were drinking with Alvarado at El Patio Café in Hempstead, prosecutors said.

Jose Gavarrete stabbed Alvarado multiple times outside the business at about 3 a.m., near Main and West Columbia streets, according to prosecutors.

Manuel Gavarrete was charged with getting rid of the weapon, prosecutors said. That case is pending.

Jose Gavarrete's attorney could not be reached for comment.