Bronx man charged with the random stabbing death of a teenager found fit to stand trial.
More than a year after the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed at a Bronx bus stop, the suspect in the case has been deemed mentally fit to stand trial. Waldo Mejia, age 29, is now facing multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon, following his arraignment in a case that has shocked the city.
On January 10, 2025, Caleb Rijos was attacked as he waited for a bus at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and East 138th Street. According to prosecutors, Mejia approached Rijos and repeatedly stabbed him with a serrated knife, inflicting severe wounds to his heart and lungs. Rijos attempted to flee and managed to call his father for help, but tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after collapsing on a nearby street. Emergency responders arrived, but he was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns regarding violent crime and mental health services. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark expressed the urgency of addressing such issues, stating that Mejia’s alleged actions represent random acts of violence with devastating consequences. Five days prior, Mejia was accused of stabbing another victim, who fortunately survived the attack while waiting for a No. 6 train at a subway station.
Initially, Mejia was found mentally unfit to stand trial, but on October 10, 2025, he was evaluated and deemed competent. The prosecutor’s office alleges that Mejia has a lengthy criminal history and was known to law enforcement for his mental health issues.
Further complicating matters, Mejia had been involved in an ongoing criminal case related to vandalism, where he was accused of damaging a neighbor’s doorbell camera with a knife after an altercation. Despite these charges, he was released after an arraignment due to bail restrictions.
Following his recent arrest for the murder of Rijos, Mejia exhibited erratic behavior in court, shouting alarming remarks and expressing hostility towards court officers. Authorities have since transferred him to a psychiatric facility until he can competently face trial.
As this case progresses, it underscores the pressing need for effective mental health interventions and comprehensive strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community continues to grapple with the broader implications of this violence, reflecting on the lives lost and the necessity for reform.
