2 Arraigned in NYC Stabbing Death, No One Charged With Murder Yet
Joseph Comunale was stabbed 15 times.
— -- Two men arrested in connection with the stabbing death of 26-year-old Joseph Comunale on New York City's Upper East Side were arraigned today, though neither man has been charged with murder.
James Rackover of New York, New York, and Lawrence Dilione of Jersey City, New Jersey, were arraigned today on charges of concealing a corpse, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. Each pleaded not guilty.
Additional charges could be filed in the future.
Comunale's father was in court today and appeared red-faced and upset during the proceedings. He and other family members were escorted out of the courtroom by officers.
Comunale was last seen alive at Rackover's Upper East Side apartment on the night of Nov. 12.
Comunale was stabbed 15 times and his body was found buried in the coastal New Jersey town of Oceanport, where Dilione previously lived.
A third man, Max Gemma of Oceanport, has also been arrested in connection with the stabbing; he was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence, according to The Associated Press. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month, The AP said.
Rackover's case was adjourned to Jan. 24, while Dilione will return Jan. 31.