In a shocking act of violence, Ray Hodges, a USPS letter carrier on duty in Manhattan, was stabbed to death Thursday afternoon inside a Harlem deli on Lenox Avenue. This marks the city’s third homicide in just the first two days of 2025, highlighting a disturbing rise in violence. The attack occurred around 2:40 p.m. at 168 Lenox Avenue, where Hodges was repeatedly stabbed during a confrontation with a woman over a place in line, authorities said.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, claiming the suspect, Jaia Cruz, 24, snapped and stabbed Hodges in the stomach after he stepped ahead of her. The deli was left bloodstained, a grim testament to the attack’s brutality. Cruz was arrested at the scene, and the weapon was recovered. She now faces murder charges.

The US Postal Inspection Service confirmed the incident, stating that the safety of postal workers is a top priority and vowing to work closely with the NYPD. For Hodges’ family, however, these assurances bring little comfort. Dr. Iesha Sekou, founder of the anti-violence group Street Corner Resources, spent hours at Harlem Hospital consoling Hodges’ devastated mother and relatives. Sekou expressed deep concern over the city’s escalating violence, noting that her organization is increasingly responding to stabbings, shootings, and other violent crimes.

Sekou told The Post that it’s heartbreaking to see people living in constant fear, especially during what should be a joyful holiday season. She emphasized the urgent need for the community to unite and take action to create a safer, stronger city.

This killing follows two other murders that have already marred the new year. Early Wednesday, a 50-year-old man was found with his throat slashed in Harlem. Just an hour later, Mario Fowler, 46, was shot and killed in the Bronx. Both men were pronounced dead at local hospitals, adding to the growing toll of lives lost.

As New Yorkers confront this wave of violence, the city is left grappling with how to stem the bloodshed. With fear spreading across neighborhoods, the hope for a peaceful new year feels increasingly out of reach.