New York – Officials have reported a violent street altercation in East Village that resulted in the tragic loss of a man’s life. The victim courageously defended his wife from an assailant, who also injured the woman and another individual in a fit of madness.
During a news briefing on Tuesday, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that Alejandro Piedra, aged 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a stabbing incident on Sunday. Sadly, the attack led to the death of Clemson Cockfield, aged 38, and left Jennifer Cockfield, his 52-year-old wife, and Jonathan Lopez, aged 32, injured.
According to Kenny, all three victims are individuals who sell second-hand items on the sidewalk near the location of the stabbing on E. 13th St. between First Ave. and Avenue A.
The chief reported that Lopez had to step away from his wife and possessions briefly. Upon returning, he found Piedra attempting to take some of the items.
During the intense altercation, a vendor suddenly appeared behind Piedra and smashed a lamp over his head before quickly fleeing from the scene.
According to officials, Jennifer Cockfield was brutally attacked and stabbed multiple times, but her husband bravely stepped in to intervene. According to reports, Piedra reportedly attacked him by stabbing him in the left side of the neck, chest, and face.
When interrogated by the police after his apprehension, Piedra maintained that he acted in self-defense, as per the prosecution’s claims.
According to NY Daily Times, Piedra admitted to stabbing the three individuals but he emphasized that he acted in self-defense as he believed his own life was in danger.
The search for the culprit who used a lamp to assault Piedra is still ongoing. In 2018, Piedra was charged with assaulting two women with umbrellas, including a 69-year-old victim. However, the defendant was able to complete the mental health court in 2021 successfully.
He is due to appear in court on Friday and could potentially receive a sentence of 25 years to life if he is found guilty.
