Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Wife and Toddler Daughter During Live FaceTime Call

A man is facing charges after allegedly murdering his wife and young daughter with a kitchen knife in Queens. Ernesto Cruz, 54, was arraigned on multiple counts of murder and weapons possession following a brutal attack on Forest Avenue near Menahan Street on Saturday evening.

Police say Cruz was engaged in a video call with his nephew via FaceTime when he reportedly carried out the killings. According to authorities, Cruz stabbed his wife, Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita, 41 times, and his 2-year-old daughter, Analiz Cruz, nine times — targeting their necks and chests.

Witnesses say Cruz was seen on FaceTime during the attack, talking to his nephew as the violence occurred. Afterward, Cruz attempted to take his own life and was found hospitalized in stable condition. Both victims were rushed to nearby hospitals but succumbed to their injuries.

A neighbor described Cruz and his wife as a seemingly normal couple who often appeared to be a happy family. However, friends and family revealed Cruz had a history of mental health issues and abusive behavior. A neighbor told reporters that Cruz had verbally threatened to kill his wife in the past and displayed signs of instability.

On the day of the murders, the two sons of the victim desperately tried to contact their mother, but efforts were unsuccessful. Authorities noted that Cruz had no documented history of domestic violence, aside from a minor transit-related summons from late 2022.

After the attack, neighbors mourned the loss of the family, with many describing the tragedy as a shock given the couple’s outwardly normal appearance. The investigation continues as officials determine Cruz’s motives and the events leading up to the violence.