Violent Altercation in East Village Leaves One Dead, Two Injured; Husband Died Protecting Wife from Crazed Stabber in New York City
A tragic incident occurred on an East Village street where a man lost his life while bravely defending his wife from an assailant. The attacker, in a fit of madness, also injured the woman and another individual during a violent street altercation, according to officials.
Alejandro Piedra, 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder after a stabbing incident on Sunday. The alleged attack resulted in the death of Clemson Cockfield, 38, and injuries to his wife Jennifer Cockfield, 52, as well as Jonathan Lopez, 32. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny provided this information during a news briefing on Tuesday.
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.
According to the chief, Lopez had to briefly step away from his wife and belongings, only to find Piedra attempting to take some of the items upon his return.
During the confrontation, Piedra resorted to violence by using a knife to inflict serious injuries on Lopez, targeting both the head and chest. Several other vendors, including Cockfield and his wife, witnessed the stabbing and rushed to Lopez’s aid.
Amidst the escalating brawl, an unexpected incident occurred when a vendor swiftly approached Piedra from behind and forcefully shattered a lamp over his head, swiftly fleeing the scene.
Jennifer Cockfield quickly joined the altercation, unleashing a flurry of punches and even hurling her shoes at Piedra. After the altercation subsided, Piedra decided to leave, only to return shortly after, brandishing a knife.
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.
According to prosecutors, Piedra claimed that he was acting in self-defense when questioned by the police following his arrest.
Piedra confessed to stabbing the three individuals, but he strongly maintained that he believed his own life was at risk, according to NY Daily Times.
Authorities are continuing their search for the individual responsible for the assault on Piedra using a lamp. In 2018, Piedra faced charges for allegedly assaulting two women by striking them with umbrellas. A 69-year-old individual was among the victims. The defendant successfully completed the mental health court in 2021.
His court appearance is scheduled for Friday. If found guilty, he could potentially face a sentence of 25 years to life.
