Manuel Rivera: Man accused of leaving son, 9, to die in burning car succumbs to self-inflicted wounds

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY: A New Jersey man, who was in critical condition, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, April 17, weeks after allegedly abandoning his young son to perish in a car doused with gasoline and set ablaze.

The grim event occurred on March 28, when authorities stumbled upon the charred remains of a nine-year-old boy, Christian Rivera inside a vehicle engulfed in flames.

Manuel Rivera stands accused of deserting the child in the gasoline-soaked car and igniting it, as per CrimeOnline.

This tragic incident unfolded behind Sayreville War Memorial High School, where the burnt-out vehicle was discovered. 

Manuel Rivera died from self-inflicted stab wounds

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Manuel Rivera, aged 43, died from self-inflicted stab wounds and burns sustained in the arson incident, which claimed the life of his son, Christian Rivera. 

Around 10.45 pm on March 28, authorities received a 911 call of a fire in the area of Sayreville War Memorial High School. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered Manuel nearby with throat lacerations. Initially, he was inside the car during the fire but later fled.

Around the same time, authorities also got a call from a woman who reported a domestic altercation between herself and her husband. As previously reported by news.meaww.com, the woman is identified as Rivera's wife.

The altercation led to Manuel Rivera leaving the residence with their 9-year-old son. 

It is alleged that Rivera poured gasoline on his car outside Sayreville War Memorial High School and ignited it with his son inside. Later, an investigation revealed that the boy was suspected to have died before the car was set on fire.

Rivera was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remained in critical condition, receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

Prior to Rivera's tragic demise, he had been charged with second-degree aggravated arson, first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree desecration of human remains.

Manuel Rivera sent video message before committing crime

In a purported video message sent to his wife, Manuel Rivera confessed to the crime and expressed deep remorse. 

He spoke of reuniting with her in the afterlife and requested cremation for his remains. Moreover, Rivera left behind a suicide note at home echoing similar sentiments.

The note stated, “This is how it ends for me and [their son]. I know we couldn’t live without each other. Today is the day that death does us part.”

GoFundMe raises over $76K for Christian Rivera

Christian Rivera's aunt has initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover the expenses for his funeral services and other necessities needed for his mom Dorothy Lora. 

The campaign has garnered over $76,000 out of its $100,000 goal, with contributions from 1,300 donors. 

The page pays tribute to Christian as a "bright and shining superstar," describing him as someone who illuminated every room he entered. 

It added, “Christian, would light up the room whenever he entered. A charismatic, smart, loving son and brother, who will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community."