A 24-year-old transgender woman, Jaia Cruz, also known as Alvin, has been indicted on second-degree murder charges in the fatal stabbing of a United States Postal Service mail carrier, Ray Hodge III, in Manhattan earlier this month. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment following the January 2nd incident.

The incident occurred during the lunch hour rush at a deli on Lenox Avenue, between West 118th and West 119th Streets. Cruz and Hodge were reportedly waiting in line to order sandwiches when an argument erupted. The dispute escalated, with Cruz allegedly drawing a knife and stabbing Hodge multiple times in front of shocked onlookers, including fellow postal workers and deli employees.

Hodge, a 36-year-old father of two, sustained stab wounds to his chest, neck, and arm. He was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Colleagues remembered Hodge as a kind and well-liked individual.

Following the attack, Cruz allegedly returned home and was subsequently apprehended by authorities. Cruz has a prior criminal history involving knife-related offenses.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is actively seeking additional information related to the case and urges anyone with knowledge to contact them. District Attorney Bragg expressed his condolences to Hodge's family and emphasized the impact of this violent act on the community.

Hodge's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, describing him as a hardworking and honorable man who positively impacted many lives.