Bronx Teen Stabbing: Suspect with Long Rap Sheet and Mental Illness History – amNewYork
**Bronx, NY – January 10, 2025:** Waldo Mejia, 29, has been accused of a heinous act that has shocked the Bronx community. On January 10, at approximately 9:25 a.m., Mejia allegedly approached Caleb Rijos, a 14-year-old boy, as he stood on the sidewalk in front of 234 East 149th St. in Mott Haven and stabbed him in a disturbing, unprovoked attack that tragically claimed the teenager’s life.
**The Tragic Incident**
District Attorney Darcel Clark revealed that one of the stab wounds inflicted by Mejia pierced Rijos’ heart. The young boy, who was on his way to school, collapsed between two parked cars and managed to call his father in his final moments. Clark expressed the profound tragedy of the situation, highlighting Rijos’ positive traits as a good student and football player at the Bronx Leadership Academy.
**The Escalating Violence**
Mejia’s violent tendencies did not emerge out of nowhere. Law enforcement sources disclosed that Mejia was already wanted for a prior incident that occurred on January 5 in Mott Haven, where he reportedly attacked a 38-year-old man near a subway station. Surveillance footage assisted transit cops in identifying Mejia and linking him to both attacks. Upon his arrest, a bloody knife was recovered from Mejia, further solidifying the evidence against him.
**The Troubling Past**
Commissioner Jessica Tisch shed light on Mejia’s troubling history, revealing that he is a repeat offender with previous arrests related to violent crimes and mental health issues. Mejia’s pattern of criminal behavior, including incidents involving weapons and arson, paints a grim picture of a man in dire need of intervention and rehabilitation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, questions arise about the adequacy of resources and support for individuals like Mejia. The call for action to address mental health challenges and prevent further acts of violence grows louder, urging authorities to rethink existing policies and prioritize public safety.
In the wake of this devastating event, the impact of mental illness on criminal behavior and the need for comprehensive solutions to address these complex issues come to the forefront. The tragic loss of Caleb Rijos serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early intervention and effective support systems to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
