Alejandro Piedra : NYC Triple Stabbing Suspect Nabbed – Mental Health Link

A man from Brooklyn, who was residing at a behavioral health facility for homeless individuals, has been apprehended in connection with a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in the East Village, authorities revealed on Monday.

Alejandro Piedra, aged 30, has been charged with murder – depraved indifference and attempted murder – depraved indifference in relation to the tragic stabbing incident that resulted in the death of a 38-year-old man and left two others injured, according to the police.

The brutal attack took place in broad daylight across from the bustling Stuyvesant Town development at the intersection of Avenue A and East 14th Street.

According to the authorities, Piedra was most recently known to be residing at Services for the Underserved Mental Health Programs, Inc. in the New Lots area of Brooklyn.

The violent incident unfolded at approximately 5:43 p.m., during which the 38-year-old victim, identified as Clemson Coxfield by the New York Post, sustained fatal wounds to the neck. A 32-year-old man was stabbed in the back, while a 51-year-old woman suffered a stab wound to her leg, as reported by the police.

A weapon believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from the scene, and Piedra was taken into custody immediately.

All three victims were rushed to NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue, where the 51-year-old woman remains in critical condition, while the 32-year-old man is in stable condition, according to the police.

Sunday’s tragic incident in the 9th Precinct, encompassing the East Village, Alphabet City, and NoHo areas, marks the first homicide of the year in the district, based on NYPD data. There was only one homicide reported in the same area last year.

Speaking about the situation, New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera highlighted that “the area remains chaotic and unkempt since the pandemic.”

Susan Steinberg, the president of the Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association, expressed her concerns to Gothamist, stating, “We’ve witnessed drug deals, knives, and other dangerous activities. It’s truly distressing, and many residents are feeling anxious and fearful about walking on 14th Street.”

A spokesperson for the NYPD informed CBS News that a dedicated foot patrol will be deployed to address quality of life concerns and maintain a visible presence along 14th Street.

In a statement, New York City Council Member Keith Powers, who represents the area, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to combat crime in the neighbourhood. He stated, “We have observed improvements in the situation, thanks to the combined efforts. We require all elected officials and agencies to work together to address these issues: increased NYPD presence to deter illicit activities, continued enforcement against illegal vendors, ongoing focus on waste and sanitation management, and more.”