A 24-year-old transgender individual from New York has been charged with the murder of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier. The victim, identified as Ray Hodge III, a 36-year-old postal carrier and father of two, was fatally stabbed in the stomach while waiting in line to buy lunch. The incident occurred at a deli on Lenox Avenue in Harlem.
The suspect, Jaia Cruz, also known as Alvin, allegedly engaged in an argument with the victim over their places in line. Cruz reportedly spat in Hodge's face before stabbing him multiple times. Hodge sustained injuries to his torso, neck, and arms and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Harlem Hospital.
Cruz, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches, was escorted by police from the NYPD's 28th Precinct following the incident. The suspect's face was concealed inside a sweatshirt, and Cruz did not respond to questions from reporters.
Authorities revealed that Cruz has a criminal record that includes prior acts of knife violence, such as a mugging. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is actively investigating the case and has urged anyone with additional information to contact them. The USPIS emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of postal service employees.
This tragic event comes in the wake of a similar incident in Chicago, where a 15-year-old boy was arrested for the ambush murder of a mail carrier. Octavia Redmond, a 48-year-old postal worker, was fatally shot while on duty. Colleagues of the victims have expressed shock and grief over the senseless acts of violence against postal service employees.
