Bronx family demands justice after the tragic stabbing of 14-year-old boy
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- A Bronx family is speaking out after the tragic stabbing death of 14-year-old Caleb Rijos, expressing anger that a man with a history of violent crimes was free to roam the streets.
On Tuesday night, loved ones and supporters held a justice march in Mott Haven, braving sub-freezing temperatures to honor Caleb’s memory. Friends and family shared their grief and cherished memories of the young boy.
"His last conversation was in my house, talking about the future," his grandmother Carmon Aponte said.
Caleb’s future was tragically stolen last Friday morning when he was randomly stabbed to death while on his way to school. Police have described the suspect, 29-year-old Waldo Mejia, as a career criminal with mental health issues.
"My nephew was just going to school; he didn’t bother anybody," his aunt Ashley Rosario said.
"He wasn’t into gangs or drugs—anything like that. He just went to school and came back home," his grandmother continued.
The family shared that Caleb dreamed of playing professional football.
"He said he wanted to take care of us when he grows up," his grandmother said.
As those dreams have now been shattered, the family is left heartbroken.
"I’ve got no more tears to cry; my heart’s crying," said classmate, Aniya Viera.
The family expressed frustration with the criminal justice system, blaming its failures for Caleb’s death.
"If someone needs help, they need to get it. You can’t release them and then say, ‘Oops,’" one organizer said during the march.
Mejia, who's also accused of another random stabbing in the Bronx days earlier, reportedly invoked Satan during a court appearance.
"I hope you rot in hell for the rest of your life," Caleb’s aunt declared.
The community is holding a memorial basketball game for the teen on Friday evening. His funeral is set for Monday, January 20th.