Queens man arrested for fatally stabbing wife and 2-year-old daughter before attempting suicide.
Queens Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Wife and Daughter
A 54-year-old man from Queens has been charged with murder following a tragic domestic incident in Ridgewood that claimed the lives of his wife and two-year-old daughter. Police reported that Ernesto Cruz faces additional charges for criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly stabbing his family members before injuring himself.
The deceased individuals, identified as 41-year-old Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita and her daughter, Analiz Cruz, were pronounced dead after a brutal attack that occurred Saturday evening at their residence. Emergency responders transported both victims to local hospitals, but despite medical efforts, they were unable to survive their injuries. Pilatagsi-Moposita died shortly upon arrival at Elmhurst Hospital Center, while Analiz was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she succumbed to her wounds.
Witnesses at the scene have recounted that Cruz was reportedly engaged in a FaceTime call with a nephew during the incident. The nephew, upon realizing the nature of the unfolding situation, dialed 911, prompting a rapid police response. Officers faced difficulty accessing the scene, requiring them to utilize a fire escape to enter the residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered the two victims had sustained multiple stab wounds to their chests and necks.
Cruz, who survived the self-inflicted injuries and was initially admitted to the hospital in critical condition, has now been charged and is expected to face legal proceedings in the coming days. The motive for this violent act remains unclear, leaving family members and neighbors in disbelief and shock over the tragedy.
Relatives of Pilatagsi-Moposita, who was noted for her dedication as a home health aide, gathered in a nearby health food store in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to mourn their loss and discuss funeral arrangements. Family members expressed profound pain, stating that they had last seen her around two weeks prior, and nothing appeared amiss in her life.
This incident marks a significant increase in local violence, as it represents the third and fourth murders in the 104th Precinct this year, in stark contrast to only one homicide reported at the same time the previous year, according to NYPD statistics. Although New York City has seen a drop in overall crime rates, rising domestic incidents reflect ongoing concerns about safety and community well-being.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken, grappling with the loss of two innocents in what should have been the safety of their home. Family members are now left to navigate their grief, holding on to memories of laughter and love that define the lives of those lost.
