Illegal alien released multiple times from jail before killing nyc teen girl

Illegal alien released multiple times from jail before killing NYC teen girl

by
September 20, 2025
···

New York, NY – Immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against 38-year-old Honduran national Jose Edwin Cruz Gomez, who is accused of killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring her mother in New York City after she rejected his advances, ICE announced.

Cruz, who is in the U.S. illegally, was arrested Sept. 13 by NYPD on charges including murder, attempted murder, assault, and vehicular manslaughter. Investigators said he deliberately struck the teenager, her mother, and her stepfather with his vehicle.

The teen died at the scene, while her mother was injured.

ICE New York City filed the detainer with the Department of Corrections on Sept. 15, requesting custody if Cruz is released. Officials said Cruz has a long history of immigration violations and criminal arrests dating back nearly two decades.

Cruz first entered the U.S. illegally in 2004 near Nogales, Arizona. An immigration judge ordered his removal in 2005, and after an appeal was dismissed, the order was reinstated. ICE officers detained him in 2013 following a DUI arrest but later released him into an Alternatives to Detention Program. He absconded and could not be located.

Since then, Cruz accumulated multiple arrests, including for DUI-related offenses and possession of a forged instrument. Each time, ICE said, he was released before a detainer could be enforced or federal priorities for immigration enforcement blocked action.

“Another young family is dealing with an unimaginable and all-too-preventable tragedy,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “These violent offenders will face the full force of the law and then be expeditiously removed from the U.S.”

Key Points

  • ICE filed a detainer against Jose Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, after his NYPD arrest for a fatal vehicular attack.
  • Cruz allegedly mowed down a 16-year-old girl and her family after she rejected his advances.
  • He has a long history of illegal reentry, prior deportation orders, and arrests for DUI and other crimes.

A rejected advance turned deadly, and now federal authorities are moving to ensure Cruz faces removal.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.