The bloodshed unfolded around 2:30 p.m. at Joe’s Grocery on Lenox Avenue, where Hodges, a mail carrier in uniform, had stopped for lunch. Witnesses claim the chaos erupted when Hodges stepped ahead of Cruz to place his order, igniting a fiery argument. What followed was a scene straight out of a nightmare.

Janet Rich, a shaken witness, recounted the senseless violence, stating that the fight was over something as trivial as a sandwich. She described how Cruz, in a fit of rage, allegedly pulled out a knife and plunged it into Hodges multiple times, targeting his stomach, chest, neck, and arms. Despite efforts by bystanders to intervene, the attack was swift and merciless.

Hodges, bleeding profusely, was rushed to Harlem Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Police recovered the weapon at the scene, and Cruz was arrested without resistance.

Cruz’s criminal history adds another layer of infamy to the case. In 2020, she was involved in a similar incident where she threatened someone with a box cutter. Now, she faces charges of second-degree murder and is being held without bail, as the community demands justice for Hodges.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service released a statement condemning the attack and vowing to prioritize the safety of postal workers. Meanwhile, Hodges, a beloved figure in his Bronx neighborhood, is being mourned by friends, family, and coworkers who remember him as a kind and dedicated individual.

This heinous crime has left Harlem in a state of shock, raising urgent questions about public safety and the escalation of violence over trivial matters. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.