Valley Stream laundromat machete killer faces decades in prison

A homeless man who pleaded guilty to the killing of 58-year-old Michael Oliver in March of last year has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison, Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced.

Roberto Velasquez, 32, was charged with manslaughter before Judge Helene Gugerty on Jan. 31. Velasquez received the maximum sentence: 21 and 1/2 years in prison.

Velasquez had mangled Michael Oliver with a machete at the Laundry Palace at 15 W. Merrick Road at 2:09 a.m. after a verbal spat between the two men escalated.

Velasquez had reach for his duffel bag and swung it at Oliver, causing the contents of the bag to spill to the floor, including a large machete. Velasquez then grabbed the machete and slashed Oliver twice in the back, and once on the back of his left leg just above the knee. A bloodied Oliver was rushed to the nearest hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Velasquez had gathered his duffle bag and the machete and left the laundromat. Nassau County police shortly tracked down Velasquez in Lynbrook and took him into custody.

“Robert Velasquez and Michael Oliver were both sleeping overnight at the 24-hour laundromat when an argument erupted and turned violent,” said Donnelly.

“Despite intensive life-saving measures, Michael Oliver tragically died at the hospital 10 days after the attack. Now, this defendant will be held accountable for his violent outburst and taking another life.”

Oliver was taken to North Shore University Hospital where he required emergency surgery. Though he survived the surgery, Oliver suffered damage to major organs due to blood loss and an infection and was placed on life support. He died 10 days after the brutal attack. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Tracy Keeton of the Homicide Bureau. The defendant is represented by Alan Schwartz, Esq.

“Velasquez will now serve decades in prison paying for his appalling crime,” said Donnelly shortly after the ruling.

Velasquez is represented by Alan Schwartz, Esq