A tragic incident unfolded in a Manhattan deli on Thursday, claiming the life of a 36-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, Ray Hodge III. Hodge, a father of two, was on duty and waiting in line to purchase lunch when he was fatally stabbed. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Jaia Cruz, also known as Alvin, was apprehended by authorities and faces murder charges.

A family photo shows Hodge delivering mail. His brother, Ed Rice, described him as a remarkable individual who positively impacted numerous lives. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses, highlighting Hodge's hardworking nature and commitment to helping others.

Following the incident, Cruz was escorted from the NYPD's 28th Precinct, their face obscured by a sweatshirt. Reports indicate that the altercation began with Cruz allegedly spitting in Hodge's face before stabbing him in the stomach. The attack occurred around 2:30 p.m. at a deli on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Hodge sustained multiple stab wounds to his torso, neck, and arms and was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hodge's colleagues expressed their grief and remembered him as a kind and compassionate individual. Cruz, who has a history of knife-related offenses, waived their right to appear in court on Wednesday, with arraignment postponed until January 22.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is collaborating with the NYPD in the ongoing investigation and urges anyone with information to contact them. This incident follows another tragic event in Chicago last July where a mail carrier was ambushed and killed while on duty.