Queens man kills wife and 2-year-old daughter, stabbing spouse over 18 times, according to police.

A tragic incident unfolded in Ridgewood, Queens, where a 54-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing deaths of his wife and two-year-old daughter. Ernesto Cruz allegedly inflicted more than 18 stab wounds on his wife, Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita, 41, and subsequently turned the knife on himself during a FaceTime call with a nephew. The disturbing act, which occurred on July 19, has raised alarm and sorrow within the community.

According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the assault on Pilatagsi-Moposita was particularly brutal. Cruz reportedly stabbed her multiple times in vital areas, including six wounds to her heart, alongside injuries to the neck, chest, and face. One of the wounds managed to sever a major artery, leading to her demise. Tragically, the couple’s daughter, Analiz Cruz, was also a victim in this violent episode, sustaining fatal stab wounds to her chest and neck.

Emergency responders were summoned to the family’s home on Forest Avenue after Cruz made a panicked call, asking for immediate help. During this call, he informed his sister that both his wife and daughter were gravely injured. Unfortunately, the horrifying scene unfolded further when the FaceTime call captured Cruz beginning to stab himself. Medics arrived quickly, transporting the mother to Elmhurst Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The young girl was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center but could not be revived.

Upon arrival, officers faced significant challenges in accessing the scene, forced to use a fire escape to reach the apartment due to the chaos inside. Notably, prior to this incident, Cruz had not come to the attention of law enforcement, with neighbors and authorities confirming that the police had not been called to their residence in the past.

Investigators have learned from family members that Pilatagsi-Moposita exhibited jealousy in light of Cruz’s previous relationship, which may have contributed to tensions leading up to this tragic outcome. As the investigation continues, Cruz faces charges of murder and weapons possession, with an arraignment expected to occur from his hospital bed.

The loss has reverberated through the community, with family members expressing deep grief over the senseless violence. Friends and relatives remember Ana as a dedicated home health aide, known for her cheerful nature and hard work. The emotional toll of this incident on surviving relatives, including her two children from a previous marriage, is profound, marking a devastating chapter in their lives.

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