A United States Postal Service (USPS) worker was fatally stabbed in a Harlem deli on Thursday afternoon following a verbal argument, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The tragic incident occurred inside a deli located at 168 Lenox Avenue in New York City. Officers responded to the scene and found the victim, identified as 36-year-old Ray Hodges, with multiple stab wounds to his stomach, torso, arms, back, and neck.
Emergency responders transported Hodges to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The NYPD is still investigating the exact nature of the verbal dispute that led to the attack but has not disclosed further details.
Authorities later apprehended a suspect, identified as 24-year-old Jaia Cruz. Cruz has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident. Law enforcement officers were seen escorting Cruz from an NYPD precinct in Harlem, as captured in footage from local media.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) issued a statement confirming the homicide of a USPS letter carrier assigned to Manhattan. Although the statement did not officially name the victim, it assured that the suspect had been taken into custody. The USPIS emphasized its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of postal workers, noting that it is working closely with the NYPD in the ongoing investigation.
The USPIS also encouraged anyone with information about the attack to come forward and contact them at their toll-free number, 1-877-876-2455. The tragic loss of Ray Hodges has brought renewed attention to the challenges and risks faced by postal workers as they perform their duties.
This senseless act of violence has shaken the Harlem community, leaving residents and coworkers of Hodges mourning his untimely death. While the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this devastating outcome.
