Suspect charged in fatal stabbing of postal worker in NYC deli over spot in line has history of knife violence

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Teens wanted for assaulting woman, 71, going to New Year’s Day church service

Police have released video of a group of teens wanted for a botched mugging of a 71-year-old woman on a New York City subway.

The knife-wielding suspect accused of fatally stabbing a postal service worker in a New York City deli during an argument over who was next in line has a violent criminal history. 

Jaia Cruz, who authorities described as transgender, was charged with second-degree murder in Thursday’s stabbing and slashing of on-duty letter carrier Ray Hodges inside a Harlem deli as Hodges was getting lunch. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) confirmed Hodges was the victim. 

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF BURNING WOMAN TO DEATH ON NYC SUBWAY IS PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

The NYPD arrested a suspect in the fatal stabbing of an on-duty USPS worker inside a Harlem deli Thursday afternoon. (Peter Gerber)

Hodges, 36, was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

The New York Post reported that Cruz has five previous arrests for crimes involving knives. In July 2020, Cruz waved an open box cutter at another person in Midtown Manhattan and shouted, “I’m going to cut him,” police sources told the newspaper. 

NYC MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY SHOVING COMMUTER IN PATH OF SUBWAY

Two postal workers stand outside a Harlem deli where an on-duty letter carrier was stabbed to death. (Fox New York)

Cruz was ordered to get on the ground but refused and was arrested for resisting arrest.

Two weeks later, Cruz was arrested again for anfhe alleged role in a robbery, using knives to take a man’s wallet and phone after the victim invited the pair to hang out. 

The NYPD has charged a woman in the fatal stabbing of an on-duty USPS worker inside a Harlem deli Thursday afternoon.  (Peter Gerber)

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In a statement, the USPIS said it “takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation.”

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

Related Topics

• US Crime
• New York City