A Manhattan bodega worker charged with murder after defending himself has abandoned his job in fear for his safety and is contemplating leaving New York City for forever and going to the Dominican Republic.
After public outcry, Jose Alba, 61, had his July 1 attack charges 
withdrawn.
Francisco Marte, who helps Alba, claimed Alba had quit his job and departed the city.
Marte: “He’s on hiatus.”
He went upstate to escape.
He’s leaving the bodega. He’s taking a vacation from his trauma because he’s terrified for his life. Marte stated Alba was plagued by Austin Simon’s death.
Simon: ‘He’s trying to go back to normal, but flashbacks make it hard.’
We’re getting him proper assistance, and then Alba and his family will decide whether he returns to the DR permanently or simply visits.
After considerable outrage, including from the city’s mayor, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg urged a court to dismiss the charges against Alba on July 19.
Alba told reporters outside his house that he’s’so-so’ and that justice has been done.
His injuries are ‘healing,’ he said.
Alba stabbed Simon in the neck and chest on July 1 while working at the Blue Moon deli.
Simon threw the clerk against a stack of shelves before seizing him, as shown on surveillance film.
Alba grabbed a knife off a shelf to fight back.
Alba was stabbed by Simon’s girlfriend when her benefits card was refused. She was never charged.
Prosecutors said in their request to dismiss that they couldn’t establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was justified in using lethal force.
The filing claimed a murder case against Alba couldn’t be established beyond a reasonable doubt and won’t be submitted to a grand jury.
Mayor Eric Adams criticized DA Bragg for charging Alba. Since CCTV showed Simon pushing Alba against a bookcase and pulling him, pressure on Bragg to dismiss the accusations against Alba grew.
Alba stabbed Simon after the two struggled on camera.
Other recordings acquired by DailyMail.com show Simon, who was on parole for punching a police officer, confronting Alba.
Alba said gently, “Papa, I don’t want a problem.”
Simon rushed inside the Blue Moon convenience shop when his girlfriend’s benefits card was denied.