A Bronx man accused of hacking his ex nearly to death with a machete finally faced a judge Tuesday in what even the suspect’s lawyer called “about the worst case that you can ever hope to imagine.”
Hector Delacruz spent a week in a local hospital undergoing a psychiatric evaluation after allegedly ambushing Lisbeth Acosta in the lobby of her apartment building weeks after she fled the New Jersey home they shared to relocate to the Bronx. Acosta was left with her face split open and clinging to life.
“This is about the worst case that you can ever hope to imagine,” Delacruz’s attorney, Cesar Gonzalez, told the Daily News.
“I can understand people not wanting to be together but for it to rise to this particular level, it’s beyond my comprehension.”
Delacruz, 27, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapon possession for the gruesome Feb. 21 assault, speaking in Bronx Supreme Court through a Spanish translator.
Delacruz fidgeted nervously in his seat and appeared agitated as he awaited his turn to go before Justice George Villegas.
“The defendant showed utter disregard for the life of (Acosta) and attacked her in full view of witnesses and surveillance video,” said Assistant District Attorney Simon Folkard.
“The defendant’s intent to kill her was evident in the instrument he selected … and with each swing of that large knife,” Folkard continued. “(She) is lucky to be alive today, but she is tormented by the fact that he might come back to finish the job.”