A 24-year-old transgender New Yorker has been charged with charges of second degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of a U.S. mailman during his lunch break earlier this month, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Jaia Cruz, the 6-foot-4-inch suspect also known as Alvin, allegedly started an argument with 36-year-old postal carrier Ray Hodge III while they were standing in line to order lunch sandwiches on Jan. 2.
Cruz allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Hodge multiple times in front of horrified customers, fellow mail carriers and restaurant staff at Lenox Avenue in Manhattan, between West 118th and West 119th streets.
POSTMAN’S FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER FATHER OF 2 KILLED ON LUNCH BREAK
USPS mail carrier Ray Hodge III delivers mail in an undated family photo provided by his brother, Ed Rice. (Contributed by Ed Rice)
Hodge suffered stab wounds to the chest, neck and arm, authorities said.
Cruz went home after the attack and was later arrested.
Jaia Cruz, a 24-year-old girl, was arrested and transported by the NYPD from the 28th Precinct after allegedly stabbing to death a postal clerk at a deli while he was working in Harlem. (Kyle Mazza/Sipa/IMAGN)
Hodge was pronounced dead at a Harlem hospital. He was a father of two whose USPS colleagues remembered him as a “big, kind soul” on social media.
“We are extremely hurt and saddened by the loss of my brother,” his brother Ed Rice previously told Fox News Digital. “He was a remarkable person and touched many people in a positive way. We have been silent in our grieving and dealing with my brother’s affairs.”
Cruz has criminal record this includes previous acts of knife violence, including robbery.
NYPD ARRESTED IN DEATH STABBING OF ON-DUTY POSTAL WORKER
Jay Cruz has been charged by the NYPD in the fatal stabbing of a USPS worker at a Harlem deli. (Peter Gerber)
As the case in New York progresses, the US Postal Inspection Service, the Postal Service law enforcement armanyone with additional information about the case is asked to call investigators at 1-877-876-2455.
“This alleged stabbing in broad daylight shook the neighborhood, including deli workers and customers who witnessed the attack,” Bragg said. “My thoughts are with those grieving the loss of Ray Hodge, postal clerk and loving father of two.”
Jay Cruz has been charged by the NYPD in the fatal stabbing of a USPS worker at a Harlem deli. (Peter Gerber)
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The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses.
“Ray touched the lives of everyone he interacted with,” the fundraiser said. “Ray was a hardworking, honorable and good man whose life embodied his values and his willingness to help others. Ray touched the lives of so many people and we are all truly blessed to have known and loved him.”
