Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced the indictment of 51-year-old Ramon Rivera on charges of a series of brutal stabbings that claimed the lives of three New Yorkers in November. Rivera is facing one count of Murder in the First Degree and three counts of Murder in the Second Degree, along with a count of Burglary in the Third Degree. Bragg said in a statement obtained by the DA's office, “These fatal stabbings have shaken our city, and those who commit random acts of violence will face accountability. My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who were tragically and senselessly killed: Angel Lata Landi, Chang Wang, and Wilna Augustin.”
The indictment details that on the morning of November 18, Rivera allegedly began to rapidly commit these acts of violence, breaking into an Ace Hardware store and stealing a backpack, kitchen knives, and gloves. Later, wearing a grey sweatshirt and red t-shirt, he fatally stabbed 35-year-old Angel Lata Landi. Rivera is also accused of having next targeted 67-year-old Chang Wang while he was fishing, and then 36-year-old Wilna Augustin as she sat on a park bench, both of whom died from their injuries.
An eyewitness's quick thinking allowed officers to apprehend Rivera. The individual followed Rivera until he could point him out to a federal agent and NYPD officer who then chased Rivera down, finally stopping him at East 46th Street and First Avenue, the Manhattan DA's Office states. The DA's Office acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the NYPD, listing several detectives and officers by name who were integral in the swift capture and charging of Rivera. The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant D.A.s Megan Joy, Christine Keenan, and John Fuller, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Charles Whitt and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo. D.A.
