A 24-year-old transgender individual, Jaia Cruz, has been charged with murder for allegedly stabbing a US Postal Service mail carrier, Ray Hodge III, in the stomach during an argument over a spot in line at a deli in Harlem. Hodge, a 36-year-old father of two, suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The incident occurred while Hodge was on his lunch break, and Cruz allegedly spit in his face before driving the knife into his stomach. Cruz has a prior record of knife violence and was arrested and charged with murder.
Hodge’s family has spoken out for the first time, describing him as a “remarkable person” who touched many lives. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral costs. The US Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident and has asked anyone with information to come forward.
