A 24-year-old transgender man has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in New York City. Jaia Cruz, also known as Alvin, allegedly attacked the victim, Ray Hodge III, a 36-year-old father of two, during an argument over a spot in line at a deli in Harlem.
The attack occurred around 2:30 pm on Thursday and resulted in multiple stab wounds to Hodge’s torso, neck, and arms. He was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.
Cruz, who is 6-foot-4 inches tall, was arrested at the 28th Precinct and was taken into custody with his face hidden inside a sweatshirt. He did not respond to shouted questions from reporters.
According to the New York Post, Cruz allegedly spit in Hodge’s face before stabbing him in the stomach. He has a prior criminal record that includes acts of knife violence, including a mugging.
The NYPD has charged Cruz with murder and is asking anyone with additional information on the case to call investigators at 1-877-876-2455.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is also working on the investigation and is reminding the public that the safety and well-being of postal employees is a top priority.
The stabbing comes just months after a similar incident in Chicago, where a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the ambush murder of a mail carrier.