Transgender suspect charged with murder in blue city mailman's lunch break stabbing

A 24-year-old transgender individual from New York has been charged with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of a United States mail carrier during his lunch break. The indictment was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The suspect, Jaia Cruz, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and also goes by the name Alvin, is accused of initiating a confrontation with 36-year-old mail carrier Ray Hodge III while they were waiting to order lunch sandwiches on January 2.

Cruz reportedly brandished a knife and proceeded to stab Hodge multiple times in full view of shocked onlookers, including customers, postal workers, and restaurant staff at the establishment located on Lenox Avenue in Manhattan.

postal worker with NYPD

The NYPD has charged Jaia Cruz in the fatal stabbing of a USPS worker inside a Harlem deli. (Peter Gerber)

As the New York case moves forward, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Postal Service’s law enforcement arm, is asking anyone with additional information on the case to call investigators at 1-877-876-2455.

“This alleged broad-daylight stabbing shook the neighborhood, including the deli workers and customers who witnessed the attack,” Bragg said. “My thoughts are with those grieving the loss of Ray Hodge, a postal worker and beloved father of two.”

Harlem Deli

The NYPD has charged Jaia Cruz in the fatal stabbing of a USPS worker inside a Harlem deli. (Peter Gerber)

The family created a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs.

“Ray touched the lives of everyone he interacted with,” the fundraiser reads. “Ray was a hardworking, honorable and good man whose life epitomized his values and his willingness to help others. Ray touched the lives of so many, and we all are truly blessed to have known and had the opportunity to love him.”

You May Also Like
Pope Francis' funeral schedule, what to expect from the Novendiali, a 9-day period of prayer, mourning

“Pope Francis’ Funeral Schedule: A Guide to the Novendiali Period of Prayer and Mourning”

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in local…
George Santos to be sentenced for fraud, identity theft; prosecutors seeking 7-year prison sentence

George Santos Faces Sentencing for Fraud and Identity Theft – Prosecutors Push for 7-Year Prison Term

NEW YORK — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who lied about…
Selma Blair shares unbelievable health update amid years-long MS battle

Selma Blair provides incredible update on her health after battling MS for years

Selma Blair shared a positive update on her battle with Multiple Sclerosis,…
Coequal Branches? It’s Time for Trump to Stick It to the Judiciary

Is it Time for Trump to Challenge the Judiciary as Equal Branches of Government?

I’m not talking about packing the court or lawlessness across the country,…
Donald Trump pardons glamorous gun-toting Nevada Republican convicted of using funds raised to honor a slain officer for plastic surgery

Donald Trump granted clemency to a Nevada Republican who misused charity funds for personal use.

Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican figure, was pardoned by President Donald Trump…
WeightWatchers to file for bankruptcy within weeks as it battles $1.6b in debts

WeightWatchers Faces Bankruptcy Filing Soon Amid $1.6 Billion Debt Struggle

WeightWatchers will file for bankruptcy in the coming weeks after finally negotiating…
Trump tenderly applies mascara to 'eyeliner man' JD Vance as the pair snuggle in an all-pink bedroom in wild AI image as China unleashes meme warfare on US amid tariff stand-off

“Imagined Image Shows Trump and JD Vance Bonding in a Pink Bedroom as China Engages in Meme Warfare Amid Tariff Stand-Off”

Critics from China are poking fun at Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy…
What Musk's DOGE nerds never saw coming... and how it could cost Americans billions

Unforeseen Consequences of Musk’s DOGE Enthusiasm Could Result in Billions in Losses for Americans

Experts are warning that Elon Musk’s cuts to waste, fraud and abuse…
Pope Francis funeral: Trump and Zelenskyy among dignitaries converging on Rome

Dignitaries including Trump and Zelenskyy to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome

VATICAN CITY — Leaders from around the world will gather in Rome…
James Robinson, Angel Contreras charged in attempted murder of off-duty Chicago officer in 2024 Morgan Park shootout, police say

Angel Contreras and James Robinson accused of attempted murder of an off-duty Chicago officer during a shootout in Morgan Park in 2024, according to law enforcement officers.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two men have been charged after an attempted robbery…
7 Shows Like ‘Ransom Canyon’ If You’re Craving More Soapy Sagas Or Small-Town Streams

7 TV Series Similar to ‘Ransom Canyon’ for those Wanting More Dramatic Stories or Shows Set in Small Communities

Get ready with your cowboy gear because Netflix has a hot new…
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Britain's Prince Andrew in Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal, has died

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew in Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal, has passed away

Virginia Giuffre, who previously accused Prince Andrew of sexually exploiting her as…