New Jersey officials believe a 9-year-old boy was killed Thursday night after his father set a car on fire with him in it.
According to WABC, police spoke with a woman claiming Manuel Rivera, 43, left the home with their 9-year-old son. Around the same time, an emergency call was placed about a fire near Sayreville War Memorial High School — where Rivera was allegedly found next to a burning car doused with gasoline.
A child was found deceased in the vehicle. WABC reported that Rivera suffered burns and a self-inflicted wound.
According to NJ.com, Rivera drove to the high school and set his car on fire near the back of the building.
Reports indicated that Rivera works for Sayreville Public Schools.
Rivera, who remains hospitalized, is charged with arson. Additional charges will likely be filed following an autopsy report detailing the child’s cause of death. Prosecutors noted that the deceased child has not been formally identified.
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[Feature Photo: WABC video screengrab]
