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Queens Man Charged with Murder of Wife and Toddler Arraigned From Hospital

Detectives are investigating jealousy over a past relationship as a possible motive.

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Overview

  • Ernesto Cruz was arraigned on July 25 from his Elmhurst Hospital bed under guard, facing first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of criminal weapon possession.
  • He is held without bail and could face life without parole if convicted.
  • Police say Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita suffered 18 stab wounds, six penetrating her heart, and her 2-year-old daughter, Analiz, sustained nine stab wounds that severed an artery.
  • After killing his family, Cruz stabbed himself on a FaceTime call with his nephew, prompting the nephew’s 911 alert.
  • Neighbors say there was no prior domestic conflict; detectives are reviewing jealousy and alcohol use as potential factors.