Woman, 75, stabbed in Bronx apartment elevator: 'It was like a bloodbath in here'
FORDHAM, The Bronx (PIX11) – A convicted criminal was arrested again in the Bronx after allegedly viciously attacking a great-grandmother following her home.
Police sources report that the man called 911 on himself Sunday morning after sustaining a cut to his hand during the unprovoked attack.
"It was like a bloodbath in here," said the victim's neighbor.
Zenona Ramos narrowly escaped death on Easter Sunday when, according to police, Edwin Rios stalked and followed her home.
"Very politely opened the door for her, went into the elevator smiling and then beat up on her," said her son, Alinkson Ramos.
Once inside the Bronx elevator, Rios allegedly lunged at the 75-year-old, stabbing her repeatedly—according to her son, a total of 50 times.
The victim pleaded with Rios to spare her life. After leaving her for dead, Rios callously told her to "have a nice day".
Neighbors heard Ramos' cries for help as she lay collapsed in the hallway.
"It was just horrible, a nightmare to get up and see that on Easter Sunday morning," said a terrified tenant.
The victim underwent surgery for a collapsed lung, in addition to enduring emotional trauma.
State records reveal this is the second time Rios has allegedly attacked a woman at random. In 2012, in Queens, he pleaded guilty to a similar attempted murder and served prison time. The 38-year-old has been out on parole since August.
"The system is failing people; this is not supposed to be happening. A guy like that should not be on the street," said the victim's son.
When reached for comment, the family of Rios' victim from 12 years ago expressed horror learning about the similar attack just seven months after Rios's release from prison.
They also agreed that more needs to be done to ensure mentally ill individuals are not released back onto the streets.