By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that a Ridgewood man has been indicted for the stabbing deaths of his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
Ernesto Cruz, 54, was arraigned on Friday on an indictment charging him with murder in the first degree, two counts of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
DA Katz called the incident “a devastating case of domestic violence.”
According to the investigation and indictment, on Saturday, July 19, at approximately 7:15 p.m., City Police officers responded to an apartment on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood on a report of an assault in progress. They found Ana Alexandra Pilatagsi Moposita, 41, and her daughter, 2-year-old Analiz Cruz Pilatagsi, bleeding and unresponsive. Moposita had been stabbed more than a dozen times; her daughter was stabbed nine times.
Moposita was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital; Analiz was transported Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. Both were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Cruz apparently attempted to commit suicide. He had stab wounds to his chest and a cut on his wrist. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital and underwent surgery.
“New York City mourns the 2-year-old child and mother who were stabbed to death in their own home. The defendant stands accused of killing them before trying to take his own life in a devastating case of domestic violence. I urge anyone who is made to feel unsafe in their own home to reach out. The prosecutors in my office work closely with our service provider partners who can help with safety planning. My thoughts are with the loved ones affected by this loss.”
If convicted, Cruz faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
