Postal worker killed in NYC deli during argument with another customer

NEW YORK (TCN) -- A 36-year-old postal worker died last week after he was stabbed during an altercation at a deli with another customer.

According to WPIX-TV, the incident occurred Thursday, Jan. 2, at approximately 2:30 p.m. at a deli in Harlem in uptown New York City. The victim, Ray Hodges, was reportedly trying to order a sandwich, but then an argument allegedly ensued with another customer about whose turn it was.

The suspect, Jaia Cruz, allegedly stabbed Hodges several times during the dispute. Medics transported Hodges to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.

ABC News reports Hodges sustained stab wounds to his torso, arms, back, neck, and stomach.

NYPD officers arrested Cruz and took her into custody on a charge of second-degree murder.

The United States Postal Inspection Service said in a statement that Hodges was a Postal Service letter carrier assigned to Manhattan.

The deli worker told the New York Daily News the fight began when Cruz allegedly cut in line in front of Hodges. The deli worker reportedly tried to separate the two, but he said Cruz "came from behind me, she spit on him, on his face." Hodges then reportedly threw a water bottle at her, which allegedly caused Cruz to take out a knife.

One of Hodges' friends told the New York Daily News, "We loved him. The community loved him."

Hodges' brother called him "respectful," adding, "Ray was a great person. He was an honorable man. He took care of his family and everybody."

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