NEW YORK, NY – A community is grappling with grief after a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the Bronx, a tragedy that has left residents in shock and mourning. The suspect, identified as Waldo Mejia, has been taken into custody, accused of carrying out the brutal attack on Caleb Rios, a promising high school student and football player.
Authorities say Rios was en route to the Bronx Leadership Academy when Mejia allegedly launched the unprovoked attack. As the terrifying incident unfolded, Rios managed to call his father, expressing his fear and struggle to breathe, moments before collapsing on the street. Passersby intervened, flagging down an emergency vehicle, but Rios succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Mejia’s arrest, which took place shortly after midnight, revealed a chilling detail: he was allegedly still in possession of the knife used in the attack, stained with blood. As he was escorted from the 40th precinct, Mejia hurled profanities at reporters, further deepening the sense of outrage and disbelief surrounding the case.
The investigation into Mejia’s background has uncovered a troubling history. Police have linked him to a previous stabbing incident on January 5th in the subway, leading to his identification by a transit officer who recognized him from a wanted poster. Mejia, who has a documented history of mental illness, has faced multiple arrests since 2015, including a recent incident in November involving a knife attack on a camera.
The case has sparked renewed calls for reform in the judicial system, particularly concerning the handling of repeat offenders and individuals struggling with severe mental health issues. Police Commissioner Jessica Tish voiced the need for more robust measures to prevent such tragedies, lamenting the failure of existing systems to protect the community.
As Mejia faces multiple charges, the Bronx District Attorney’s office has indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming. The city remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a young life and the broader implications of the crime.
This incident has not only shaken the Bronx but also highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to address the intersection of crime and mental health. As the case unfolds, the community hopes for justice and healing in the wake of an unspeakable loss.