A Peekskill man was identified as one of three victims tragically killed in a stabbing spree that unfolded in Manhattan on Monday.
The New York Police Department confirmed that 36-year-old Angel Lata Landi, a construction worker from Peekskill, passed away due to multiple stab wounds inflicted during the violent series of attacks.
The incident occurred on W. 19th Street and 8th Avenue in the Chelsea neighborhood around 8:22 a.m. Emergency responders transported Lata Landi to NYC Health + Hospitals Bellevue, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The suspect, 51-year-old Ramon Rivera, was swiftly apprehended by authorities and has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. In addition to Lata Landi, the deadly spree claimed the lives of a 68-year-old man near FDR Drive and a 36-year-old woman near 42nd Street and First Avenue.
NYPD officials described the attacks as “unprovoked,” highlighting the random nature of the violence that stunned residents and officials alike. Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy during a press conference on Monday morning, condemning the brutal assaults and expressing grief over the senseless loss of life.
“Today, we have three innocent New Yorkers going about their lives who were the victims of a terrible, terrible assault,” Adams remarked. He called the incidents a stark reminder of systemic failings, particularly within the city’s criminal justice and mental health systems.
“It is a clear, clear example of a criminal justice system and mental health system that continues to fail New Yorkers,” the mayor said, urging for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Rivera, who police identified as homeless, had a history of criminal behavior and interactions with law enforcement. He was recently released from custody in October following charges of burglary and assault.
This background has prompted renewed scrutiny of policies related to homelessness, mental health treatment, and criminal justice, with many questioning whether more could have been done to prevent Rivera’s return to the streets.
The victims, described as ordinary individuals going about their day, have left communities reeling from the tragedy. Angel Lata Landi, in particular, was remembered by neighbors and coworkers as a hardworking individual with deep ties to his family and community.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief in Peekskill, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the violent nature of the crime. As investigators piece together the events leading up to the attacks, questions remain about Rivera’s motives and the adequacy of interventions for individuals exhibiting violent tendencies.
City officials and advocates have called for a dual focus on bolstering public safety and providing comprehensive mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the homeless.
The Manhattan stabbing spree stands as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities within urban environments and the critical need for systemic changes. As New Yorkers mourn the lives lost, the city grapples with the urgent challenge of ensuring safety while addressing the root causes of such tragedies.
