Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that Brian Cordovano, a 50-year-old resident of Ronkonkoma, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2022 killings of Ian Saalfield and Robert Julian. Cordovano admitted guilt to two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, among other charges.

"Today, Brian Cordovano pleaded guilty to killing Ian Saalfield and Robert Julian in a selfish and inexplicable act of violence," stated District Attorney Tierney. "I hope that this plea provides a measure of comfort to the victims’ families and friends as they continue to mourn these unnecessary and tragic losses. With this conviction, the victim’s families will be spared the further pain and anxiety of a trial, while ensuring that the community is protected from any further crimes by this defendant."

The case traces back to April 26, 2022, when Saalfield was reported missing by his wife after last being seen with Cordovano. The police discovered Saalfield's vehicle abandoned on May 2 in Holtsville. That same day, authorities found Cordovano at a Ronkonkoma motel suffering from an overdose. A car registered to Julian was also located at the motel parking lot.

Subsequent investigation led officers to Julian’s residence where both men were found dead from gunshot wounds on April 25, 2022.

Cordovano appeared before County Court Judge Stephen L. Braslow on October 9, 2024, where he pleaded guilty not only to manslaughter but also three counts of Robbery in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

Cordovano's sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2024. He faces an agreed sentence of 30 years imprisonment. Christopher Gioe represents him legally.

Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder from the Homicide Bureau is prosecuting this case with Detective Michael Repperger leading the investigation for Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.