By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that Manuel Rivera, 43, of Sayreville, was pronounced deceased on April 17.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said Rivera was charged with Aggravated Arson, Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Desecration of Human Remains.
Officials stated that on March 28, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., authorities received a 911 call reporting a fire in the area of Sayreville High School, while responding to the call an additional call came in reporting a related domestic dispute.
Authorities then responded to Eisenhower Drive in the Borough of Sayreville, upon their arrival, officers located a female victim, who alerted the authorities of a domestic dispute that led to Manuel Rivera, 43, of Sayreville, leaving the home with their 9-year-old son, officials say.
According to officials, authorities on the scene at Washington Road, near the rear of Sayreville High School, found Rivera alive but with burns to his body and a self-inflicted wound.
Next to Rivera, a vehicle was located that was doused with gasoline and on fire, officials said.
Authorities say Rivera was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his passing.
The investigation revealed that the body of a deceased child was found in the vehicle, officials stated.
Based upon the results of the autopsy, Rivera 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, according to officials.
Officials said on Tuesday, April 17, Manuel Rivera was pronounced deceased at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.