A shocking incident unfolded in Harlem when postal worker Ray Hodges, 36, was fatally stabbed during an argument at a local deli.
The attack happened Thursday at Joe’s Deli Grocery, where Hodges stopped for a break after delivering packages.
Witnesses say the confrontation began when Jaia Cruz, a repeat offender described as a transgender woman, tried to cut ahead of Hodges in line.
An argument broke out when Hodges, counting money for his order, objected to Cruz skipping the line.
A deli worker, who preferred to remain unnamed, described the scene: “He told her he was ordering his sandwich, and she started arguing with him. I told him it wasn’t worth it.”
Other customers tried to separate the two, but the tension escalated. Cruz spat on Hodges, provoking him to throw a bottle of lemon juice in response.
That’s when Cruz allegedly pulled out a knife, stabbing Hodges in the neck and stomach.
Hodges collapsed inside the deli, and 911 was called. Despite being rushed to Harlem Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Cruz fled to her nearby apartment and was arrested shortly afterward. During her court appearance Friday, she was charged with murder and manslaughter and held without bail.
Witnesses and neighbors expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss. Alejandro Alarcon, a resident, recalled his last interaction with Hodges just minutes before the attack. “He was my mailman. He was always so kind and helpful,” Alarcon said.
The incident has left many in the community shaken. “I come to this deli all the time. Now I’m scared to even step inside,” said one neighbor.
Calls for increased safety measures and stronger action from city officials have grown louder in the wake of this senseless tragedy.
Hodges, a father of two and a beloved figure in the neighborhood, is remembered as a kind and caring man who always went out of his way to assist others.
His death has left a void in the community and serves as a stark reminder of the need to address violence and safety in the city.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
