Authorities in New York City have arrested and charged a 24-year-old woman who allegedly stabbed and killed a United States Postal Service (USPS) worker after the two got into a dispute over who was the first in line to order at a deli.
Per CBS News, the fatal incident occurred at a deli in Harlem on Thursday, January 2. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Ray Hodge, was ordering a sandwich at the deli when he got into the dispute with Jaia Cruz. The suspect is said to have repeatedly stabbed Hodge.
In an interview with the news outlet, a deli worker said a woman, who had come to the establishment to buy something, took issue with Hodge and argued with him over who had the right to order first. Hodge was said to be ordering a sandwich at the time of the dispute. The deli worker said Hodge was stabbed in the stomach by the woman after she drew a knife.
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Hodge was pronounced dead at a local hospital where he was transported to. Police said they found a knife at the crime scene.
“The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and wellbeing of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation,” a representative for USPS said in a statement.
Dr. Iesha Sekou, who is a local activist, told CBS News that she was at the hospital where Hodge was taken, adding that she spoke with the deceased victim’s mother.
“A mother never, never expects to bury her child,” Sekou said. “She’s still in a little shock. She just said, I didn’t believe that my son would be dead. And I don’t think any mother is ready for this.”
A witness who spoke with the news outlet also described the fatal incident as “scary.” “The man is on his job, they come to my building every day, and just like that, he’s gone,” said witness Uzo Guchisachi.
“It’s just so unfortunate this is happening in New York City. It’s just, the safety issues here are a real problem,” Harlem resident Cecilia Chanu also said.
“People have low tolerance,” said another individual. “I feel safe because I’m vigilant, but anything can happen at any point in time.”
Cruz has since been charged with murder.
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