The man accused of committing back-to-back stabbings on the Upper West Side — plunging a knife into an Asian man’s back and a screwdriver into a Jewish man’s chest — pleaded not guilty to felony hate crime charges Tuesday in court in Manhattan, where prosecutors alleged they had uncovered evidence of his antisemitic bias.
A man who was accused of stabbing two people on the Upper West Side in July, in what prosecutors said were unprovoked and antisemitic attacks, was indicted on Tuesday on charges that included attempted murder as a hate crime.
“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe and be treated with respect, without fear of harm simply for being who they are,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Theodore Tucker allegedly escalated hateful words into senseless gun violence, targeting an innocent stranger because of his sexual orientation. These allegations are deeply troubling, and my thoughts remain with the victim as he continues to recover from his significant injuries.”
“The defendant knowingly killed three people by providing them fentanyl-laced drugs,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As they laid unconscious, she robbed her victims and left them to die. In several instances, the victims’ bodies were found by their friends or family members. The defendant showed a shocking indifference to the lives of her victims and is now facing significant consequences for her conduct.”
“Raul Morales was allegedly motivated by antisemitism when he attacked two New Yorkers in broad daylight near two Upper West Side synagogues,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Since the initial arrest, my Office has continued to thoroughly investigate this matter and uncovered additional evidence alleging the defendant specifically harbors antisemitic views. This case is a prime example of how hate crimes make all of us less safe. I want to make clear to all Manhattanites that we will stand with and support you no matter your background, ethnicity or religion.”
