A man pleaded not guilty Friday in the fatal stabbing of a longtime family friend in West Hills.

Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, police say Candelario Cordova, 53, was driving in a Jeep with 58-year-old Roque Cisneros when he pulled over on Oakwood Road, retrieved a knife from his trunk and began stabbing Cisneros.

Cisneros’ wife, 54-year-old Vilma Campos, then pulled up in another vehicle and attempted to intervene. Police say Cordova proceeded to stab Campos as well after she chased and tried to bear hug him.

Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Campos is expected to be OK.

Cordova was arraigned in Central Islip Friday in the killing of Cisneros, his friend of 20 years, according to the district attorney’s office. He pleaded not guilty and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. He’s due back in court on March 6.

Amrett Seay, who lives nearby, witnessed authorities arrive at the scene.

“I saw the police cars,” he said. "Nothing like that around here before. Very scary.”

The killing happened close to Stimson Middle School, where students were inside at the time.

People in the area told News 12 they were shocked to hear about the violent crime.

“Good on the wife for trying to help her husband. Unfortunately, they dealt with a crazy person. That’s really sad that happened to the both of them,” said Huntington resident Sabrina Miles.