In Manhattan last month, a homeless man with a history of mental illness randomly stabbed and killed three people. The suspect, Ramon Rivera, was formally charged with first-degree murder and other charges by prosecutors on December 19.
Manhattan prosecutor Bai Airong announced on December 19 that the 51-year-old suspect, Rivera, is accused of stabbing three people in November this year. He faces charges of one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of third-degree burglary.
Rivera appeared in the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan on that day and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Erin Darcy of the Legal Aid Society, submitted a defense of mental incompetence on his behalf. Judge Felicia Mennin ordered him held without bail based on the prosecution’s request due to his parole violation and extensive out-of-state connections. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16 next year.
According to the indictment, on November 18 around 5:10 am, Rivera broke into Ace Hardware Store at 312 First Avenue in Manhattan by smashing a window. He then exited the store with a stolen small backpack containing stolen kitchen knives and work gloves. Around 8:20 am, Rivera near 444 West 19th Street stabbed 35-year-old construction worker Angel Lata Landi multiple times. Later, around 10:18 am near 500 East 30th Street, he stabbed 67-year-old Chang Wang twice while fishing. Additionally, around 10:52 am at the intersection of East 42nd Street and First Avenue, he stabbed 36-year-old Wilna Augustin multiple times as she sat on a park bench. Rivera was apprehended afterward, but unfortunately, all three victims succumbed to their injuries despite medical treatment.
Rivera has a long history of mental illness and violent criminal records spanning multiple decades. In May of this year, he was detained in the psychiatric ward of Bellevue Hospital where he reportedly attacked corrections officers. Prior to this incident, he had frequent altercations with law enforcement, being arrested at least eight times for offenses including robbery, grand theft, burglary, assault, and petty theft. He also committed multiple crimes in other states. On October 17 this year, he was released on parole from Rikers Island, only to commit a series of murders a month later, sparking concerns among the public about mentally ill individuals on the streets. Mayor Adams of New York City later expressed his desire to expand the policy of mandatory hospitalization for mentally ill patients.