Father Faces Murder Charge After Son Found Dead in Burning Car

The tragic incident followed a domestic dispute, leading to additional charges including aggravated arson.

Manuel Rivera, 43, faces charges including murder, aggravated arson, endangering the welfare of a child, and desecration of human remains after his 9-year-old son was found dead in a burning car.
The incident occurred following a domestic dispute with the child's mother; Rivera allegedly drove to Sayreville War Memorial High School and set the vehicle on fire.
Rivera is in critical condition with burns and a self-inflicted wound; he was found outside the car.
The boy was a student at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, and Rivera was employed by the school district as a cafeteria worker and driver.
Authorities urge anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area to contact Sayreville police or the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.