Sayreville Man Charged With Murder In Death Of His Son

MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ARSON NOW CHARGED IN THE DEATH OF 9-YEAR-OLD SON

     "Manuel Rivera Has Been Additionally Charged In Connection With The Death Of His Son That Occurred Thursday Night In Sayreville."

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 5:00 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

SAYREVILLE, NJ.-  A 43-Year-Old Sayreville, New Jersey man originally Charged with Second Degree Aggravated Arson last Thursday in The Death of his 9-Year-Old Son following a Domestic Dispute with his wife has now been charged with Murder and Child Endangerment.

     According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at around 10:45 p.m., Members of The Sayreville Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a Fire on the Grounds of Sayreville High School. While responding to The Call, The Sayreville Police Department received a Second 911 Call reporting an apparent Domestic Dispute at a Residence located on Eisenhower Drive in The Borough.

     Upon arrival at The Eisenhower Residence, Police Officers were advised by a Woman that she and her husband, Manuel Rivera, 43, of Sayreville had been involved in a Domestic Dispute and that Mr. Rivera had left the Residence with their 9-Year-Old Son.

     Police Officers who responded to the scene on the Grounds of Sayreville High School found Mr. Rivera Alive with Burns on his Body and a Self-Inflicted Wound. Next to Rivera, a Motor Vehicle was located that was Doused with Gasoline and Set on Fire and was still burning. Rivera was immediately transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment.

     After extinguishing the Fire, First Responders found the Body of a Deceased Child inside the car. Based on the initial investigation Mr. Rivera was Charged with Second Degree Aggravated Arson. 

     A Subsequent Autopsy performed by The Middlesex County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the Body found in the vehicle was that of Rivera's 9-Year-Old Son and The Child's Death was Caused by Rivera.

     Accordingly, Rivera has been Formally Charged with Second Degree Aggravated Arson; First Degree Murder; Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and Second Degree Desecration of Human Remains. 

     Upon his release from The Hospital, Rivera will be Processed on The Charges and will be remanded to The Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending Future Court Proceedings in Middlesex County Superior Court.

"The Rules Of The Court Requires Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."

FILED UNDER: APRIL 2, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, MIDDLESEX: