NEW YORK — The man accused of killing 14-year-old Caleb Rijos in the Bronx is “a career criminal” with a history of violence and mental health problems, New York City’s police commissioner says.
Waldo Mejia, 29, was taken into custody hours later allegedly stabbed the boywho officials said was on his way to school in the Mott Haven section Friday morning.
“When arrested, Mr Mejia was wearing the same trainers and trousers he wore during the murder and was in possession of a bloody knife. Mr. Mejia, a violent repeat offender with a documented history of mental health interactions with the NYPD, is now on the 4-0 precinct facing a murder charge,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference on Saturday.
Police said the attack on Rijos was unprovoked.
Suspect has been arrested four times since 2015, NYPD says
Mejia has four previous arrests, including for another stabbing in 2024, burglary and arson in 2019, possession of a loaded handgun in 2017 and carrying a knife in 2015, Tisch said.
“Today, a 14-year-old boy is dead, a family is devastated, a city is in mourning, and the systems we have in place to deal with repeat offenders and individuals with serious mental health issues continue to fail us,” Tisch said. said.
Mejia is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon in Rijos’ death.
Police said Mejia is also the suspect in a stabbing at a nearby subway station.
Teenager dies after stabbing attack
Rijos stopped responding Friday morning outside a building on 138th Street in Mott Haven and pronounced dead in the ambulance that took him to the hospital, police said.
“Video shows the victim standing alone on the sidewalk when he is approached by this perpetrator who immediately stabs him twice in the chest and flees,” NYPD Chief Joseph Kenny said. an earlier press conference.
Rijos lived near the block where he was stabbed. His neighbors said they were stunned to hear of his death.
“I’m in shock right now. I’m very shocked. You touched my heart,” Awilda Miranda said. “He’s a child, just like my grandchildren.”
