NY bodega worker, Jose Alba, that was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing a customer, Austin Simon, in self-defense is now a free man

NY bodega worker that was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing a customer in self-defense is now a free man. The Manhattan DA is seeking to have all charges dropped due to the nature of the case.

On July 1, Jose Alba fatally stabbed Austin Simon behind the counter of his bodega after Simon came to defend his girlfriend and her daughter. Alba reportedly snatched a bag of chips from the daughter because the mother couldn’t pay for them with her EBT card. The girlfriend then came back with Simon to beat up Alba. Alba claimed he feared for his life and stabbed Simon 6 times, killing him. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Public outrage began because people felt as though Alba had been acting in self-defense. Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, has now asked the judge to drop the charges against Alba, who has spent the last 3 weeks on Rikers Island.

“The People have determined that we cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was not justified in his use of deadly physical force,” reads the motion by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sigall.

Alba will have to wait until the judge approves, but the ordeal is most likely over. Thoughts Neighbors?