Man Arrested for Two Stabbing Incidents in the Bronx
One of the Victims, a 14-year-old Boy, Fatally Injured
A man was arrested on murder charges late Friday, believed to be responsible for two senseless stabbings in the Bronx, one of which left a 14-year-old boy dead.
Investigation and Arrest
Police said investigators have been able to link the same man from a deadly stabbing earlier that morning to a separate "unprovoked" stabbing on January 5, also in the Bronx.
The Stabbing Incidents
On January 5, a 38-year-old man was descending the stairs into a subway station when he was attacked from behind. The suspect allegedly stabbed the man in the left arm. He was taken to an area hospital where he received several stitches.
On January 11, around 9:30 a.m., a 14-year-old boy, Caleb Rijos, was on a sidewalk near E 138th Street and Lincoln Avenue when the unknown assailant approached and delivered a pair of deadly blows. The victim was taken to Lincoln Hospital but did not survive two stab wounds to his heart and lung.
Surveillance Images and Arrest
The NYPD obtained surveillance images from the sidewalk slaying and circulated them across the department. A transit bureau cop recognized the alleged attacker from the earlier stabbing and notified detectives. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Waldo Mejia, a career criminal with a documented history of mental health interactions with the NYPD.
Arrest and Charges
Mejia was picked up by officers without incident, wearing the same sneakers and pants seen on surveillance video. He was also found to be in possession of a bloody knife. He was identified as a person of interest in connection with the two stabbings.
Police Commissioner’s Statement
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference where she said, "Today, a 14-year-old boy is dead, a family is devastated, a city is in mourning, and the systems we have in place to deal with repeat offenders and individuals with severe mental health issues continue to fail us."
Conclusion
The arrest of Waldo Mejia brings closure to the families of the victims, but it also highlights the need for a more effective system to deal with repeat offenders and individuals with severe mental health issues.
FAQs
- Q: What were the circumstances of the stabbings?
A: The stabbings were unprovoked and occurred on January 5 and January 11 in the Bronx. - Q: Who was arrested in connection with the stabbings?
A: 29-year-old Waldo Mejia was arrested and charged with murder. - Q: What was Mejia’s criminal history?
A: Mejia had a documented history of mental health interactions with the NYPD and was a career criminal. - Q: What was the motive behind the stabbings?
A: The motive is still unknown, but investigators believe the incidents were committed by the same perpetrator.
