Mom of postal worker killed in NY deli stabbing slams plea deal

Mom of Slain Postal Worker Slams Plea Deal for Son’s Killer

The mother of a postal worker who was fatally stabbed in a Manhattan deli expressed outrage on Wednesday after the killer accepted a plea deal for just 15 years behind bars. Jaia Cruz, 24, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of USPS postman Roy Hodge at Joe’s Deli Grocery in Harlem.

Ada Rice, Hodge’s mother, criticized prosecutors for allowing Cruz to take the plea deal, stating, “She’s going to get out early and kill again.” The plea deal was reached despite the family’s opposition and came shortly after Cruz was indicted on a second-degree murder charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

Rice was shocked by the decision, especially since prosecutors had initially assured her of the strength of the case, citing video evidence from inside the deli showing the altercation between Cruz and Hodge. The video allegedly captures Cruz stabbing Hodge multiple times after he cut in line at the deli counter.

Family’s Disapproval

During the court hearing, Rice expressed disappointment that Cruz was not facing federal charges, considering Hodge’s status as a federal employee. She also revealed that the family had been told there would be no plea deal, leading to their frustration with the justice system.

The incident unfolded when Hodge threw a bottle at Cruz, leading to a physical confrontation where Cruz began stabbing him. Prosecutors stated that Cruz stood over Hodge after he fell to the ground, callously remarking, “He deserved it.”

Courtroom Chaos

At the hearing, one of Hodge’s supporters was escorted out after protesting the plea deal, shouting, “This is not justice!” Witnesses reported the emotional outburst in the courtroom as the plea deal was announced.

Cruz’s attorney, Mitchell Schuman, did not comment on the plea deal. During Cruz’s arraignment, Schuman had argued that Hodge was the aggressor, claiming that he initiated the physical altercation by striking Cruz first.

Final Sentencing

As part of the plea deal, Cruz will also serve five years of supervised release. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28th.

The case has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the justice system’s handling of violent crimes, leaving Hodge’s family and supporters frustrated with the outcome.