A grand jury on Wednesday indicted the suspect accused of fatally stabbing a postal worker during an argument at a Harlem deli in New York.
Jaia Cruz, who is facing murder and manslaughter charges, had an attorney represent her in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Last Thursday, a 24-year-old individual allegedly assaulted 36-year-old Ray Hodge inside a deli located on Lenox Avenue between 118th and 119th streets.
Cruz’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 22nd.
Argument leads to deadly stabbing at Harlem deli
According to a deli worker, Hodge was ordering a sandwich when Cruz became furious and began arguing with him about who was first in line to order. Cruz quickly pulled out a knife and stabbed Hodge in the stomach, according to the worker.
“I separate them. The mail guy in the front, the lady she was in back. She spit on him, in his face. And mail guy, he got mad. Lemon juice next to the coffee machine, he threw on her. So she took the knife,” the deli worker said. “This is so bad. This is my first time seeing this happen in front of my face.”
Hodge sustained several stab wounds and was declared deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
A representative from USPS confirmed that he had been working as a mail carrier since 2022 at the Morningside Annex on West 125th Street. The Postal Inspection Service expressed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees, stating that they are actively collaborating with the New York City Police Department in the ongoing investigation.
A memorial has been created outside his Bronx home by his loved ones, who have adorned it with his USPS hat and pictures of the father of two.
“He was an honorable and respectful man, who took care of his family,” his brother said in a statement.
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