NEW YORK – Police in the Bronx have identified a person of interest in the horrific murder of a family of three. The victims, 38-year-old Jonathan Rivera, 33-year-old Hanoi Peralta, and their 5-year-old son, Kayden Rivera, were found dead inside an apartment building.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the crime scene was gruesome, with Jonathan found in the hallway, having suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations. Hanoi was discovered in a nearby apartment, with 15 stab wounds to the back and seven to the chest, while Kayden was found disemboweled on a bed.
Police believe that a loved one committed the heinous crime. The person of interest, who is the son of Rivera from a previous relationship, was at the home to babysit the night before the murders occurred. The individual was later taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation after their mother reportedly dialed 911, expressing concerns about her son hearing voices.
While at the hospital, the person of interest allegedly confessed to “doing something bad” and had lacerations on their hands consistent with the nature of the stabbings. It is suspected that the attack was prompted by delusions that the family was planning to harm him.
While an arrest has not been made, Chief Kenny expressed confidence in the investigative process and cooperation with the Bronx District Attorney’s office to build a case for probable cause. The police believe that an arrest will be made swiftly.
In their search for justice, the police are continuing their investigation as they work towards resolving this devastating crime. The community remains in shock and mourning as they await further developments in this heart-wrenching case.