A postal worker who was fatally stabbed in a NYC deli had a history of knife violence.

An on-duty letter carrier was stabbed and Jaia Cruz, 24, was charged with the crime.

A postal worker who was fatally stabbed in a NYC deli had a history of knife violence.
A postal worker who was fatally stabbed in a NYC deli had a history of knife violence.

The suspect, who is armed with a knife, is accused of murdering a postal worker in a New York City deli after an argument about who should go first in line. The suspect has a history of violent crimes.

On Thursday, letter carrier Ray Hodges was fatally stabbed and slashed inside a Harlem deli by Jaia Cruz, who authorities described as transgender, while Hodges was purchasing lunch.

The USPIS confirmed Hodges as the victim.

postal worker with NYPD
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 rushed to Harlem Hospital and later declared deceased.

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

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

Cruz refused to comply with the order to lie down and was subsequently arrested for resisting arrest.

Two weeks after his initial arrest, Cruz was taken into custody once more for his alleged involvement in a robbery. This time, he used knives to steal the victim's wallet and phone after the victim had invited him and his companion to hang out.

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

The USPIS prioritizes the safety and well-being of postal service employees and is collaborating with the New York City Police Department on the investigation.

by Louis Casiano

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