A woman accused of fatally stabbing a U.S. Postal Service worker inside a Harlem deli was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting her guilt, officials said Friday.
Jaia Cruz learned her fate during a sentencing hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday. At least 10 years was shaved off her sentence, which was part of a plea agreement made in April — a deal that angered victim Ray Hodges’ loved ones, who felt the sentence was too light.
If she had been convicted of murder at trial, Cruz, 24, could have received 25 years to life in prison.
During the sentencing hearing, Hodges’ relatives called Cruz “pure evil” and a “disgusting excuse for a human being,” as they gave impact statements in front of Judge Gregory Carro, according to the New York Post.
