Background: A vehicle departs from the Chester County Correctional Complex on September 3, 2023. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP). Inset: Javier Rivera (Chester County District Attorney’s Office).
A man from Pennsylvania was taken into custody following accusations of fatally stabbing another individual during a failed car theft – subsequently taking additional vehicles to return to his house, where he was apprehended.
Javier Rivera, 33, is facing numerous charges that include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery causing serious bodily harm, possession of a weapon, among others. His alleged series of crimes took place from Sunday evening into early Monday.
Authorities reported that on Sunday, Rivera attempted to steal a BMW from the driveway of a residence in Kennett Township. The Chester County District Attorney’s Office stated that the 69-year-old owner noticed the theft attempt.
The homeowner chased Rivera up the driveway, and during the altercation, Rivera allegedly “stabbed the victim in the torso and neck, resulting in his death.” Rivera is then accused of fleeing and “stealing several cars to avoid being caught.”
According to the district attorney’s office, the suspect later collided with a gray Honda Accord, and upon the drivers stepping out to exchange details, he reportedly seized their car.
Rivera later drove a stolen car to West Chester – about 25 minutes north of Kennett Township – “and was confronted by two residents after he broke into a home on New Street,” authorities said.
“In the end, the Defendant returned to his Kennett Square home in a stolen Honda CRV. He was located there by police wearing the same clothing reported by witnesses, and he had a laceration on his right palm, and a reddish-brown substance—consistent with dried blood—on his shoes and shirt,” the district attorney’s office added.
Rivera was arrested on Monday by Chester County detectives and booked into the Chester County Correctional Complex. He was arraigned that same day and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on Aug. 20.
“This quiet community was shattered by senseless violence,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said. “Thankfully Chester County law enforcement was able to work together to identify and capture this Defendant quickly before he could hurt others.”
Kennett Township Police Chief Matthew Gordon said the attack “shocks the conscience.”
“There was no reason for anyone to be stabbed last night,” he added on Monday.
At least six agencies collaborated in the investigation and arrest of Rivera, including the Pennsylvania State Police.
Kennett Township is located about an hour southwest of Philadelphia.
