A 51-year-old man has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder following a series of seemingly random stabbings that claimed the lives of three individuals in Manhattan early Monday.
Ramon Rivera was taken into custody after police discovered him with blood-stained clothing and two kitchen knives. He is currently awaiting arraignment, and authorities have reached out to an attorney who previously represented him for comments.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident at a news conference, describing it as a distressing event that left residents in search of answers. ‘Three New Yorkers. Unprovoked attacks that left us searching for answers on how something like this could happen,’ Adams remarked.
The violent spree began just before 8:30 a.m. on West 19th Street, resulting in the fatal stabbing of Angel Lata Landi, a 36-year-old construction worker. Nearly two hours later, a 68-year-old man was similarly attacked while fishing near East 30th Street along the East River. Both victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after the attacks, although the second victim’s name has not been released.
Around 10:55 a.m., the suspect allegedly moved northward, attacking 36-year-old Wilma Augustin near the United Nations headquarters on East 42nd Street. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away later at a hospital. NYPD apprehended Rivera shortly thereafter, thanks in part to a cab driver who reported the attack to nearby officers.
While investigators are still working to determine what motivated the suspect, Joseph Kenny, the NYPD’s chief of detectives, stated that the attacks were unprovoked and did not involve any theft. ‘He just walked up to them and began to attack them with the knives,’ Kenny explained.
The tragic events have reignited concerns about crime in New York City, a discussion that has been prevalent since the pandemic led to increased unrest and safety worries. Despite a 14% decrease in homicides in 2024, serious assaults have risen by 12%, according to police data.
Recent violent incidents, including a fatal attack at a Coney Island subway station and prior violent episodes, underscore ongoing challenges. Mayor Adams criticized the criminal justice system’s handling of such cases, citing Rivera’s recent legal troubles as evidence of broader systemic issues.
As the city grapples with these tragic events, authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attacks while the public remains on edge. Officials emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance and reform within the criminal justice system to prevent similar tragedies.
Source: News4jax
