New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ignited fury from the family of a murder victim by publicly mourning the death of the accused killer, who died while in custody at Rikers Island. The family of Jose Miranda called the mayor's statement a "slap in the face."

Clarence Woodward, 41, was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday morning. He was awaiting trial for the alleged August 8, 2024, murder of Jose Miranda, 45, at a Bronx laundromat. Woodward had a criminal record with nearly 30 arrests dating back to 2002, including charges for robbery, assault, and weapons possession.

Mamdani posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he was "deeply saddened" by Woodward's death, stating, "my thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they grieve this loss." He also referred to Woodward's death as a "tragedy" and noted it was the seventh inmate death at Rikers Island this year.

Marisol Miranda, Jose Miranda's mother, expressed her distress. "It's terrible. That's not fair. That's not fair at all," she said. "I'm not happy with what [Mamdani] did and I need him talking about my son. He was killed."

Angel Miranda, Jose Miranda's brother, echoed these sentiments. "He could have paid his regards but acknowledged us too," he stated. "He should have mentioned us first and then, ‘Sorry the person that did it also has passed away too.’ At least give us a little heads up and a little gratuity towards us. We lost a family member. You can never replace that."

Woodward, who was homeless and recently released from state prison on parole on July 3, 2024, allegedly attacked Jose Miranda and another homeless man at the 24/7 laundromat. Police reported that Woodward repeatedly stabbed Miranda, who was sitting in a chair, and then attacked the second victim, who had been sleeping. Two meat cleavers were recovered outside the establishment.

Mamdani's office stated that the city is committed to improving conditions in the jail system and closing Rikers Island. The mayor has made similar statements regarding other inmate deaths in custody this year. The cause of Woodward's death is under investigation, according to the Department of Correction.

Residents in the Bronx neighborhood also reacted to the mayor's remarks. Alfredo Avila, a local barber, described Woodward as "kind of crazy" and "always on drugs," noting that he had recently been released from jail. Avila contrasted this with Miranda, whom he described as a nice guy who "didn't look for trouble with nobody" and was sleeping at the laundromat because he lacked housing.

Herman Gonzalez, a local store manager, referred to Miranda as "El Bori" and said he was well-liked. Gonzalez criticized Mamdani for mourning "an assassin," stating, "It's totally upside down. He should realize why that guy was in jail."