By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that Manuel Rivera, 43, of Sayreville, has been charged with Aggravated Arson, Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Desecration of Human Remains.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said that on March 28, 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 stated.
Officials said 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.
According to officials, next to Rivera, a vehicle was located that was doused with gasoline and on fire.
Rivera was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he is in critical condition and being treated for his injuries, authorities say.
Initial investigation has revealed that the body of a deceased child was found in the vehicle, officials say.
Based upon the results of the autopsy, officials said, Rivera has 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.