Ex-con’s alleged NYC killing spree has critics slamming city’s mental health, homeless resources: Report

New York, N.Y. According to a CNN story, an apparently random string of killings that were reportedly committed by a homeless ex-con last week underscore the difficulties New York City faces in managing the mentally ill and maintaining public safety.

The NYPD claims that 51-year-old Ramon Rivera killed three individuals in Manhattan during a killing spree last week.

Nearly a dozen state and local political officials convened on Thursday to call for responsibility for the fatalities, claiming that Rivera was not given enough attention or supervision before being released into the public.

CNN reports that Rivera was freed from Rikers Island one month before to his alleged outburst because of time served for a burglary and an attempted attack on a correctional guard.

According to the source, Rivera’s lawyer pushed for a less stringent probation. Rivera was accepted into the supervised release program by the case’s judge and prosecutor.

According to the source, Rivera missed his follow-up appointments six times.

In an interview, Rivera reportedly told authorities that he picked his victims because they were distracted and alone, CNN reports.

Mayor Eric Adams reaffirmed Tuesday that he wants the city to take people off the streets who are incapable of taking care of themselves.

The publication claims that Adams previously put two instructions into effect in an effort to assist homeless people in New York who are dealing with mental illness.

Getting homeless people into mental institutions at a time when those treatments are becoming less available throughout the state of New York is the problem, according to advocates, CNN reported.

Most Popular Stories by

Shaina McLawrence

• Man stabbed to death outside Staten Island home, says NYPD

• Man, 34, faces murder charge in fatal stabbing on Staten Island, says NYPD

• Prominent Staten Island pediatrician sentenced in hit-and-run crash that injured 2

• She was so still and lifeless. A horrific find in brush patch still haunts Staten Island

• Mapping the 6 vehicle thefts reported on Staten Island from Nov. 11-17

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!