Manuel Rivera: Man charged for burning son in car sent apology video to wife before trying to kill himself

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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

SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY: A New Jersey man accused of murdering his young son and setting fire to the boy's body in a school parking lot, sent a distressing video to his wife, before attempting to kill himself. 

The tragic incident unfolded on March 28, 2024, when authorities discovered the body of a nine-year-old boy inside a vehicle consumed by flames. 

Manuel Rivera allegedly abandoned the child in the car soaked in gasoline and set it on fire. 

This harrowing scene unfolded behind Sayreville War Memorial High School, where the charred vehicle was located. Rivera was also discovered at the site, having inflicted wounds upon himself.

What does the video message reveal?

In the video message that Manuel Rivera purportedly sent to his wife, he admitted to the crime and expressed remorse to her. 

He proceeded to mention seeing her in the afterlife and requested cremation for his remains. Additionally, Rivera left a suicide note at home conveying a similar sentiment. 

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.”

Authorities believe the boy was dead before the car was set ablaze

On March 28, family members alerted Sayreville police after Manuel Rivera and his son were reported missing, following a threat made by the father to harm them both during a domestic dispute with his wife.

While officers were responding to this call, reports emerged of a fire at Sayreville High School at approximately 10:45 pm. 

Upon arrival, authorities found Rivera's car ablaze in the school parking lot, with his son's body inside. Rivera himself was found nearby, covered in gasoline with a neck wound and burns.

Surveillance footage allegedly depicted Rivera arriving at the parking lot, dousing the car with gasoline, and igniting it. 

It is suspected that the boy was dead before the fire started. 

Rivera was hospitalized in critical condition and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, aggravated arson, and endangering the welfare of a child. 

The victim, identified as Christian Rivera, was a third-grade student at Woodrow Wilson School, as reported by MyCentralNewJersey.com.

A vigil was held in his honor at the school on Saturday evening.