During a press conference held on Saturday, the police announced the arrest of Waldo Mejia, whom they described as a violent repeat offender with a history of mental health interactions with the NYPD. Mejia, a Bronx resident, is currently being held without bail on charges of murder, manslaughter, and weapon possession. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch referred to the victim as “a fine young man” during the conference, expressing condolences to the victim’s family for their loss.
Mejia, described as a career criminal with four prior arrests, was previously released on his own recognizance after an incident involving the stabbing of a neighbor’s Ring camera with a kitchen knife. His latest arrest stems from an attack on a 14-year-old boy, Caleb, who sustained fatal stab wounds to the heart and lungs. Video evidence captured Mejia leaving his residence shortly before the stabbing, and he was apprehended by officers at his home with a bloody knife and clothing matching those worn during the crime.
Mejia’s criminal history includes arrests for burglary, arson, possession of a firearm, and possession of a knife in previous years. It is unclear at this time whether he has legal representation or when he is scheduled to appear in court for his latest arrest. The NYPD expressed frustration with the failure of existing systems to address repeat offenders and individuals with severe mental health issues.
Natalie Neysa Alund, a seasoned journalist with USA TODAY, can be contacted at nalund@usatoday.com. Stay updated by following her on social media @nataliealund. The article in question was first published by USA TODAY and details the legal proceedings involving a man accused of murdering 14-year-old Caleb Rios through a fatal stabbing in the Bronx.
