Murder Tears Apart Ridgewood Family

As 23-year-old Felix Tavarez was preparing to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges brought against him for the murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Liliana Alvarez, the victim’s family said he brazenly took time Monday night to call their house from prison and ask, “What happened to Liliana?”
“I never thought that he would call,” Alvarez’ cousin, Maria Diaz, told The Queens Courier in an exclusive interview. “He said, ‘Don’t you know who is calling?’ And I said no. Then he answered ‘J.F.’ (his nickname). What happened to Liliana?’ ”
Diaz said that she was shocked by the question. After telling him that Liliana was dead, Diaz claims Tavarez said, “That was an accident. I didn’t do it on purpose,” and hung up.
In an interview at the home of the victim with several stunned members of the Alvarez family, the environment was emotional with a feeling of suspended reality.
“I cannot believe it… we still haven’t seen her yet,” Diaz said as a backdrop of people trying to move on with their lives filled the living room.
It was exceedingly hard for the victim’s sister, Wendy, while giving her daughter a bath in the sink of the kitchen and Diaz, sitting nearby, to focus on the interview. Sometimes they just seemed to be emotionally overcome. Nevertheless, Wendy and Maria recounted – as best they could – their story of what happened.
According to Diaz, early Sunday morning Alvarez and Tavarez were driving home from a club and were stopped by a police officer. Tavarez immediately hid a gun under the seat of the car and it was not noticed by the officer and he waved them on.
Wendy said that once the couple got home, “They started an argument because Liliana did not like the idea of the gun.” Wendy said she would not permit Tavarez to enter the house but the victim let him in.
“Liliana said, I am not afraid. If he kills me, he kills me,” Wendy said.
The situation apparently calmed down because after that they were even hugging each other,” Diaz said.
But, minutes later a shot rang out. Liliana Alvarez was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head where she was shortly thereafter pronounced dead.
“We feel pain for what he (Tavarez) did. He came and took her life without any reason,” Diaz said. She added that the crime was not because of any jealousy, as had been reported elsewhere, and Wendy concurred.
Tavarez was extradited back to the U.S. on Monday evening after escaping to the Dominican Republic following the shooting. Tavarez faces second degree murder and weapons charges.
Alvarez leaves a 3-year-old daughter, Marilaci, who is currently in the care of her grandmother.
elcorreo@queenscourier.com