Three unprovoked fatal stabbings across Manhattan on Monday morning, which left two men and one woman dead, underscore significant failures in New York City’s criminal justice and mental health systems, Mayor Eric Adams said.
The suspect, 51-year-old Ramon Rivera, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Rivera, who appears to be homeless and has a history of mental health issues, has a criminal record spanning multiple states and eight prior arrests.
“This is a public health safety issue,” Adams said during a Tuesday news conference. “This is the result of not taking actions and ignoring people who need help.”
Details of the Stabbings
The attacks occurred over a span of less than three hours:
- 8:22 a.m.: Angel Lata Landi, 36, a construction worker originally from Ecuador, was stabbed in the abdomen outside a Chelsea construction site. He later died at Bellevue Hospital.
- 10:25 a.m.: Chang Wang, 67, was fishing near the East River when he was stabbed multiple times. He also died at Bellevue Hospital.
- 10:55 a.m.: Wilma Augustin, 36, was stabbed in the chest and arm near the United Nations Headquarters. She died at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Police said Rivera was apprehended shortly after the third attack when a cab driver, witnessing what appeared to be a robbery, flagged down an officer. Officers recovered two bloody kitchen knives and gloves, along with Rivera’s bloodied clothing.
Criticism of System Failures
Rivera’s history of arrests and mental health issues raises questions about why he was on the streets. He had been recently charged with petty larceny in October and granted supervised release without bail. Rivera is also wanted in New Jersey but has not waived extradition.
“This is a clear example of how the criminal justice and mental health systems fail New Yorkers,” Adams said, emphasizing the need for reform.
Family members of Lata Landi called for justice, expressing their frustration with the city’s failure to protect its residents. “We are just asking for justice… so that the city takes responsibility for this,” his sister said.
Community activist Walter Sinches highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers like Lata Landi, who come to the U.S. seeking better opportunities but often face systemic challenges.
Broader Context
The triple homicide occurs amid heightened attention on issues surrounding homelessness, mental illness, and public safety in New York City. The case parallels broader debates, such as the ongoing trial of a former Marine charged with manslaughter for fatally choking a homeless man on a subway last year.
Rivera’s case has reignited calls for improved mental health interventions and criminal justice reforms to address public safety concerns in one of the nation’s largest cities.