According to a press release from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Ernesto Cruz is accused of carrying out the horrific double stabbing on Saturday, July 19, inside a residence located in the Ridgewood neighborhood. The victims have been identified as 41-year-old Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita and their young daughter, Analiz Cruz.
Authorities say both victims sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck, and were found in critical condition. Emergency responders rushed them to the hospital, but despite efforts to save them, both Ana and Analiz were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Cruz, who also suffered a stab wound to the chest, was found at the scene and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Following his release from medical care, he was formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Law enforcement officials have not released a possible motive for the deadly assault. As of Monday evening, it remained unclear whether Cruz had secured legal representation or entered a plea in response to the charges.
According to local ABC affiliate WABC, Cruz and Pilatagsi-Moposita were husband and wife, and he was the biological father of the slain toddler, Analiz. The details of their relationship prior to the incident remain under investigation, but sources close to the case have indicated that the violence may have erupted suddenly and without prior warning.
In a disturbing twist, WABC and WNBC reported that a relative of the family called 911 after receiving a shocking FaceTime call from Cruz during the attack. The relative, visibly shaken, described witnessing the gruesome scene in real time and immediately alerted police.
Investigators say they are combing through digital evidence, including call logs and video from the FaceTime exchange, in addition to interviewing family members, neighbors, and any potential witnesses.
“This was a horrifying and senseless act of domestic violence that has left a mother and her innocent child dead,” one police source told reporters. “We’re working to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy and whether there were any prior signs of danger or abuse.”
The crime has stunned residents in Ridgewood, a quiet, family-oriented section of Queens. Grieving neighbors gathered near the home over the weekend, placing candles, teddy bears, and flowers in memory of the mother and child. Many expressed shock that such an act could occur in their community, describing the family as seemingly “normal” and “quiet.”
The investigation remains ongoing. The NYPD has urged anyone with relevant information about the incident or the events leading up to it to contact their Crime Stoppers hotline.