Rebuilding Brooklyn
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
Taking Action
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Suspect pleads guilty in fatal stabbing of USPS worker in Harlem deli

Cruz now faces a prison sentence of 15 years in state prison and five years post-release supervision, according to the Manhattan DA's Office.

Adolfo Carrion

Apr 16, 2025, 1:07 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Jaia Cruz, 24, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of a United States postal worker earlier this year.

READ: Loved ones mourn death of postal worker killed inside Harlem Bodega

A memorial was made in Mott Haven to honor the life of 36-year-old Ray Hodges. Cruz and Hodges got into an argument at a Harlem deli in the afternoon prior to the stabbing.

Cruz now faces a prison sentence of 15 years in state prison and five years post-release supervision, according to the Manhattan DA's Office. The official sentencing is set for May 28.


More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices