Sarah McNally: NYC bartender fatally stabbed by enraged boyfriend in apparent murder-suicide attempt
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
QUEENS, NEW YORK: Marcin Pieciak, 36, faces murder and criminal weapon possession charges following the fatal stabbing of his Irish girlfriend, Sarah McNally.
The tragedy unfolded in what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide, at the Ceili House pub in Maspeth over the weekend.
Insights into tragic incident
Pieciak, a regular patron at the pub, engaged in brief conversation with customers before abruptly taking a chilling turn. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described how the suspect, seemingly without warning, walked behind the bar and brandished two knives, slashing McNally, 41, multiple times in the throat.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing scene as Pieciak then turned the knives on himself, attempting “to slice his own throat several times." One distraught witness recounted the horror, describing McNally "was just standing there talking" before the boyfriend "just walked right in and stabbed her," reported New York Post.
"Then he started trying to stab himself. Horrible. Just horrible!” Efforts by a customer to intervene halted Pieciak's escape until law enforcement arrived on the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, McNally, originally from Longford, Ireland, succumbed to her injuries.
Recent conversations with friends had revealed her plans to return to Ireland due to relationship troubles, according to Kenny. Meanwhile, Pieciak remains hospitalized in stable condition at Elmhurst Hospital. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment and was remanded into custody by Judge Julieta Lozano.
Family mourns loss of Sarah McNally as DA vows accountability
In the wake of the devastating attack, McNally's family mourns her loss, expressing their grief on social media. “Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah, we are heart broken, Love you always,” the victim's aunt Mary shared a heartfelt tribute on Easter Sunday.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the senseless violence, emphasizing the community's shock and the profound loss experienced by McNally's family. “It was unprovoked and a devastating loss for the family,” Katz sated. “We are using every resource to make sure there is accountability.” Pieciak's next court appearance is scheduled for April 5.
