The suspect accused of fatally stabbing a postal service worker in a New York City deli has a violent criminal history. Jaia Cruz, described as transgender, was charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing and slashing of on-duty letter carrier Ray Hodges during an argument over who was next in line at the deli. Hodges, 36, was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital. Cruz has a history of knife-related crimes, including waving an open box cutter at someone in Midtown Manhattan and being involved in a robbery where knives were used to steal a man’s wallet and phone. Cruz was ordered to get on the ground during the arrest but refused and was charged with resisting arrest.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) confirmed that Hodges was the victim in the incident and emphasized that the safety and well-being of postal service employees is a top priority. They are working closely with the New York City Police Department on the investigation into Hodges’ murder. Cruz’s violent criminal history and previous involvement in knife crimes have raised concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The USPIS is committed to ensuring the safety of postal service employees and taking all necessary steps to address any threats to their well-being.
In July 2020, Cruz was involved in an incident where he waved an open box cutter at someone and threatened to harm them in Midtown Manhattan. Police sources reported that Cruz shouted, “I’m going to cut him,” during the altercation. Two weeks later, Cruz was arrested again for his alleged role in a robbery where knives were used to steal a man’s wallet and phone after the victim had invited Cruz and another individual to hang out. Cruz’s repeated involvement in knife-related crimes has raised concerns about his propensity for violence and the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect the public from individuals with such criminal histories.
The New York Post reported that Cruz has a total of five previous arrests for crimes involving knives, indicating a pattern of violent behavior. Despite being ordered to get on the ground during one of the arrests, Cruz refused and was charged with resisting arrest. The incident in which Cruz fatally stabbed Ray Hodges during an argument over who was next in line at the deli highlights the potential dangers posed by individuals with violent criminal histories and the need for improved security measures to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring. The USPIS is working diligently with law enforcement to investigate Hodges’ murder and ensure that justice is served for his senseless death.
The USPIS emphasized that the safety and well-being of postal service employees is a top priority and that they are committed to working closely with law enforcement to address any threats to their security. The violent criminal history of the suspect in the fatal stabbing of Ray Hodges has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The USPIS is determined to ensure that postal service employees are protected from harm and that those responsible for violent crimes against them are held accountable for their actions. They are actively engaged in the investigation into Hodges’ murder and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served in this tragic case.
