Boyfriend Sentenced for Stabbing Girlfriend in Queens
A man convicted of fatally stabbing his girlfriend, a bartender in Queens, was sentenced recently. The family of the victim harshly criticized the assailant, labeling him a “pathetic coward” who stole a “beautiful” life.
Marcin Pieciak, age 37, received a 24-year prison sentence for the tragic incident that occurred on March 30, 2024. He stabbed his Irish girlfriend, Sarah McNally, 19 times while she was working at Ceili House bar in Maspeth.
McNally, 41, was in a relationship with Pieciak at the time of her death. Her family expressed their grief in a statement, placing blame on those responsible for her loss.
During the proceedings at Queens Supreme Court, a family member stated, “No woman should ever lose her life because she wants to end a relationship.”
They condemned Pieciak’s actions, saying, “Rather than break up with her and walk away, Mr. Pieciak believed he had the right to take the woman’s life. That day he made a choice and chose to be a weak, pathetic coward.”
While McNally’s family was not present at the sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Gabriel Reale noted that her murder had profoundly affected everyone who knew her.
The relatives’ letter included, “You took Sarah away and made our world an even darker place.” They remembered her fondly, emphasizing that she brought warmth and joy to those around her, saying she was “charming, confident, and should still be here with us.” They mourned the loss of her light.
Reports indicate that Pieciak, a regular patron at the bar, confronted McNally behind the bar, where he attacked her from behind with a knife, stabbing her in the neck, back, and shoulders. The act was described as one of the most horrifying incidents ever witnessed, according to Reale.
After the attack, Pieciak reportedly attempted to harm himself before trying to escape but was apprehended by bar customers. When police arrived, he was found with knives in both hands and had injured himself.
McNally was left on the floor, later pronounced dead at a hospital due to injuries affecting her carotid artery and vertebrae.
Before the fatal encounter, it was reported that McNally, originally from Longford, had mentioned to coworkers her thoughts of returning to Ireland, indicating her relationship with Pieciak was faltering.
Pieciak pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in October and expressed remorse during the sentencing, stating, “I think about Sarah every day and every night…I hope someday you’ll forgive me, that’s all.”
