A murder charge has been filed against a woman in New York City who allegedly stabbed a postal worker to death in a deli. According to witnesses, the fatal incident occurred after a dispute over who had the right to place an order.
Jaia Cruz, a 24-year-old woman, has been arraigned for the murder of letter carrier Ray Hodge. Cruz’s lawyer has not yet provided a comment on the matter. She is currently being held without bail.
Hodge, who is 36 years old, suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest, neck, and arms on Thursday afternoon at a deli in Harlem, as stated in a court complaint. He was discovered injured and lying on the floor while still in his postal uniform.
Janet Rich, a customer, shared with the Daily News that Hodge and Cruz engaged in a heated argument at the sandwich counter regarding their turn. Despite the attempts of Rich and another individual to intervene, they were unable to resolve the dispute.
According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hodge worked as a letter carrier in Manhattan.
Candles were placed around his postal hat as neighbors created a memorial outside his Bronx home on Friday.
According to Alejandro Alarcon, a resident on his postal route, the letter carrier, Mr. Hodge, went above and beyond to help customers. Alarcon shared that Hodge even assisted him in checking on a package shortly before his unfortunate passing.
