Crime
Postal worker 36-year-old Ray Hodges stabbed to death in a fight with Jaia Cruz at a Harlem deli
Harlem, NY – A tragic confrontation in a Harlem deli has claimed the life of a postal worker, marking the third homicide in New York City in just the first two days of the new year.
The victim, identified as Ray Hodges, 36, was a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier assigned to Manhattan. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. on Thursday inside a deli located at 168 Lenox Avenue.
Sources indicate that the altercation began as a dispute over a spot in line. Witnesses reported that the suspect, Jaia Cruz, 24, became enraged when Hodges allegedly stepped ahead of her. The confrontation escalated violently, with Cruz fatally stabbing Hodges multiple times in the stomach. Blood was reportedly smeared across the deli’s floors and glass door in the aftermath.
Hodges was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Cruz was arrested at the scene, and the weapon used in the attack was recovered by authorities. She has been charged with murder.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) confirmed Hodges’ death in a statement:
“The Postal Inspection Service can confirm that on January 2, 2025, a United States Postal Service letter carrier, assigned to Manhattan, was the victim of a homicide. USPIS takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York State Police Department on this investigation.”
Dr. Iesha Sekou, founder and CEO of Street Corner Resources, an anti-violence organization, spent the afternoon comforting Hodges’ grieving mother and family at the hospital. Sekou expressed concern over the rising violence in the city:
“It’s sad that during the holiday season, you have to constantly look around and be cautious. The energy is flat and fearful. We have to become a stronger, better city.”
The incident is the third homicide reported in New York City since the start of the year.
On January 1, a 50-year-old man was found with fatal neck slash wounds at the corner of West 137th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem. He succumbed to his injuries at Harlem Hospital.
Shortly after, Mario Fowler, 46, was shot multiple times, including in both legs, outside an apartment building on East 170th Street in the Bronx. He was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital.
The spate of violence has raised alarms among residents and officials. Law enforcement and community organizations continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and collaborative efforts to reduce crime and ensure public safety.
The investigation into Hodges’ death remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.