Salesman stabbed to death in East Village tried to protect friend and wife, cops say

The man killed in a stabbing attack Sunday in what locals dubbed “an open-air drug market in the East Village” died while trying to defend his friend and girlfriend, a the police said.

Police sources said Alejandro Piedra, 30, allegedly carried out a savage stabbing at a flea market at 14th Street and Avenue A on June 23 that left one person dead and two others injured. Neighborhood residents have long complained about the market, denouncing it as a hub where vendors sell everything from trash to stolen goods.

“Calling it a flea market is a bit kind,” Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told amNewYork Metro. “Basically, people throw sheets on the sidewalk to sell wherever they can find or steal trash.”

According to Chief Kenny, a 32-year-old vendor left to use a nearby restroom and when he returned, he found Piedra stealing his items.

“He catches Mr. Piedra stealing his items when he is confronted. Piedra pulls out a knife and stabs [the victim] in the head and chest. Once that happens, other vendors in the area come to his aid,” said Chief Kenny. “An unidentified man runs behind Piedra and hits him in the head with a glass lamp – the lamp breaks.”

As the unidentified man fled, Clemson Cockfield – who would ultimately be killed in the scuffle – rushed to pick up a piece of broken glass and began swinging it wildly.

“You stabbed my friend, you stabbed my friend,” Cockfield allegedly shouted at Piedra.

During the chaos, cops said, Cockfield's 52-year-old wife tried to attack Piedra, even going so far as to take off her shoes and throw them at him.

Police later said the chaos briefly subsided, only for Piedra to return to the scene moments later with a knife. He turned his attention to Cockfield's wife, who tried to flee but tripped and fell.

Cops said Piedra then allegedly mounted her and began stabbing her mercilessly and repeatedly.

Her husband tried to intervene, but was also mercilessly stabbed, once in the face, once in the neck and twice in the chest. After delivering the fatal blow, the attacker turned his attention back to his female victim and began skewering her again.

“The assailant continues to stab the woman more. Even though Mr. Cockfield is mortally wounded, he still comes to her aid and attempts to save her,” Chief Kenny said.

Cockfield was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he later died. The other victims survived their injuries.