iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Two men arrested in connection with the stabbing death of 26-year-old Joseph Comunale on New York City’s Upper East Side were arraigned Tuesday, though neither man has been charged with murder.
James Rackover of New York, New York, and Lawrence Dilione of Jersey City, New Jersey, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of concealing a corpse, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. Each pleaded not guilty.
Additional charges could be filed in the future.
Comunale’s father was in court Tuesday and appeared red-faced and upset during the proceedings. He and other family members were escorted out of the courtroom by officers.
Comunale was last seen alive at Rackover’s Upper East Side apartment on the night of Nov. 12.
Comunale was stabbed 15 times and his body was found buried in the coastal New Jersey town of Oceanport, where Dilione previously lived.
Rackover’s case was adjourned to Jan. 24, while Dilione will return Jan. 31.
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