In a shocking act of violence, Luis Peroza, a 40-year-old assailant, was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for his brutal attack on Ray Alvarez, the beloved 91-year-old owner of Ray’s Candy Store in the East Village. During his sentencing at Manhattan Supreme Court, Peroza showed no remorse as he muttered a brief response when asked if he wanted to address the court.
Peroza’s assault on Alvarez, which occurred on January 31, 2023, left the elderly candy store owner severely injured, with multiple broken bones and a dislocated jaw, forcing him to consume food and drink through a straw. The attack was just the beginning of Peroza’s night of terror, as he went on to assault two other individuals in the East Village.
Following the assault on Alvarez, Peroza targeted a 33-year-old man at an Avenue C deli, demanding money. When the victim revealed he had no cash, Peroza struck him in the face with a hard object, breaking his orbital bone. Hours later, Peroza continued his rampage by attacking another man, causing lacerations to his face and head, and knocking out a tooth.
Gerald Barth, a second suspect involved in the attacks, was deemed unfit to stand trial and transferred to the custody of the state’s Office of Mental Health in June 2023.
Ray Alvarez, who has been running Ray’s Candy Store since 1974, expressed his fear for his life when Peroza struck him with a belt containing a stone. Despite suffering three broken bones and a dislocated jaw, Alvarez displayed remarkable resilience, returning to work the next morning to continue serving his famous egg creams and sweets.
3 Responses
This incident highlights the importance of community safety and the need to protect vulnerable individuals. If you are interested in learning more about elder abuse prevention and support, I recommend visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) website. They provide valuable resources, information, and support for victims, caregivers, and professionals working in the field. Their website is a great starting point to educate yourself and others about this critical issue.
This is absolutely outrageous and sickening! How can someone be so heartless and cruel to attack a 91-year-old man who is just trying to run his own business? Ray Alvarez, the owner of Ray’s Candy Store, is a beloved member of the community, and this act of violence against him is beyond comprehension.
It is infuriating to think that Luis Peroza only received a 10-year sentence for such a heinous crime. This punishment is nowhere near enough for the pain and suffering
What measures can society take to protect vulnerable individuals like Ray Alvarez from acts of violence, particularly in the context of small businesses that are often seen as pillars of the community?