A New York City bodega worker faces a second-degree murder charge after allegedly stabbing a man who came behind the counter and shoved him in a clash captured on surveillance camera.
The July 1 incident occurred at a convenience store in upper Manhattan. Jose Alba, 51 years old, claimed he was acting in self-defense against a violent patron.
According to police, the young mother attempted to buy chips for her daughter. However, her card was declined. Her boyfriend came running into the shop to help her.
Alba grabbed a knife, and fatally stabbed his 34-year-old boyfriend. He reportedly had a long criminal history.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the store owner’s arrest.
“From the video, I saw a worker here inside the store following the law and he should not have been approached in the manner that he was approached,” Adams said.
Alba’s bail was set at $250,000, but in the wake of public outcry, it was reduced to $50,000 and he was released after spending six days on Rikers Island.
Alba is expected to return to court on July 20,