New York City winery owners are calling on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop murder charges against an employee who killed an ex-offender who attacked him.
United Bodegas of America officials announced Saturday that they would meet with the prosecutor on Tuesday to discuss Jose Alba’s case.
His calls for mercy come when Mayor Eric Adams and City Council members on both sides of the aisle called on the conflicting district attorney to drop charges against 61-year-old Alba, who was seen before the camera fighting an attack by Austin Simon, 35, before he stabbed him to death on July 1.
The images showed Simon walking behind the counter at Hamilton Heights Grocery on Broadway and West 139th Street in Manhattan when his girlfriend couldn’t make enough money to buy a bag of chips.
Alba stabbed Austin five times after being pushed onto a shelf, officials said. Austin’s girlfriend then allegedly stabbed the clerk in the shoulder and hand.
Winery owners, including United Bodegas of America president Radhames Rodriguez (speaking), asked Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to reflect on Jose Alba’s charges. Gregori P. Mango
“Mr. Alba was clearly defending himself from a younger, stronger man who assaulted him, “UBA president Radhames Rodriguez wrote.
“Mr. Alba did not have time to think when his life was in danger. The videotapes clearly show who the aggressor was in this case. Austin Simon went behind the counter to beat Jose Alba and possibly kill him, Jose just defended himself with everything he could put in his hands. “
The group plans to hold a press conference Monday morning in the Bronx.
Alba was released Thursday from Riker Island on $ 50,000 bail. Leaders of the wineries association said a defense attorney could not be allowed.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been summoned for wanting to charge Jose Alba with murder. Photo AP / Craig Ruttle, archive
Simon had previous arrests, even for robbery and assault, and served his sentence in state prison in a 2016 conviction for assaulting a police officer. His girlfriend did not face charges of stabbing Alba, who has no criminal record.
Bragg’s critics have cited his reputation as a mild-mannered prosecutor in the face of the crime he recently told his office not to seek jail terms for crimes such as armed robbery and drug trafficking, as they demand clemency in the case. d’Alba.
“The fact that you are even prosecuting Mr. Alba reveals how your perverse sense of justice not only protects violent criminals, but also actively seeks to destroy the lives of victims of crime,” a letter signed by two lawmakers from the Democratic city and five Republicans.