Ada Rice, mother of murdered postal worker Roy Hodge, expressed outrage over a plea deal resulting in only 15 years for his killer, Jaia Cruz. Hodge was fatally stabbed in a Manhattan deli, with prosecutors initially believing they had a strong case, supported by video evidence. Despite the family's opposition to any plea agreement, the district attorney suggested Cruz felt remorse. Rice criticized the system and argued for federal charges, because her son died in a federal uniform. Rice fears Cruz could re-offend once released.
"She's going to get out early and kill again," Ada Rice told The Post after Jaia Cruz, 24, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the Jan. 2 slaying of USPS postman Roy Hodge."
"Initially, the DA told me that there would be no plea deal because they said they saw the video and [that they're] satisfied," Rice said, who also expressed regret as to why Cruz hasn't been charged federally.
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