A 36-year-old postal worker was stabbed to death in a Harlem deli on Thursday. Ray Hodge’s community is mourning his loss, remembering him as a devoted father and caregiver who loved sports and music.
Friends described Hodge as someone who “took care of everyone” in the neighborhood, including his own mother. He was taken to school by his children every morning and would often grow with the kids. The motive behind the dispute that led to his death remains unclear, but authorities say it started over a trivial matter – who would order first.
Hodge’s killer, 24-year-old Jaia Cruz, is charged with first-degree murder. Cruz has two prior arrests for incidents involving knives. As Hodge’s friends said, this senseless tragedy serves as a reminder to cherish those we love in the present moment.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with the NYPD on the investigation into Hodge’s killing.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/postal-worker-killed-harlem-community-mourns-loss-usps-employee-ray-hodge-stabbed-deli/15748138