By: Richard L. Smith
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw delivered a sad announcement today, revealing that a Philadelphia man, Alexander Rivera, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the brutal slaying of a woman inside a Maple Shade motel last spring.
Rivera, 27, must serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. His conviction stemmed from a guilty plea in July to the charge of Aggravated Manslaughter (First Degree).
The Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., presided over the sentencing in Superior Court in Mount Holly.
Officials said the tragic chain of events was set in motion on May 11, 2022, when officers from the Maple Shade Police Department responded to a distress call from the Bel-Air Motor Lodge on Route 73.
The call reported an unresponsive female in one of the motel rooms.
The victim, Michelle Johnston, 36, had previously resided in various locations within Burlington and Camden counties. Tragically, she was found lifeless in room 410.
An autopsy conducted by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood revealed that Johnston had fallen victim to strangulation and sustained multiple stab wounds.
"This was a fierce, unprovoked attack against an unsuspecting victim," expressed Prosecutor Bradshaw. "We stand in solidarity with those who cherished Michelle Johnston, including her two children, as we grieve her tragic loss.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone involved in this case, whose dedication helped us bring justice for her untimely death."
Alexander Rivera was taken into custody at his residence in November by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.