NYPD widow announces she’s pregnant at memorial

Woman married to slain officer draws cheers from crowd

NEW YORK — Heartbreak gave way to shock and joy Saturday at a St. Patrick’s Cathedral memorial for two slain New York City Police Department officers, with the teary widow of one officer announcing the couple’s surprise pregnancy to cheers.

“Through sorrow and pain can also be a great birth,” declared Dominque Luzuriaga, the last speaker at the crowded service honoring her husband Jason Rivera and his partner Wilbert Mora. “I am blessed to say that Jason and I will be expecting our miracle this spring.”

The audience inside the Midtown church rose to their feet in applause after the mother-to-be shared the revelation on the first anniversary of the Jan. 21, 2022, line-of-duty deaths of Mora and Rivera.

“Although Jason won’t be here in physical form to see and experience our miracle, I know he will always be here in spirit, waiting and protecting an loving us,” said the widow as she wiped away tears.

A high-ranking police source confirmed Dominique became pregnant using her late husband’s semen. The wife of Officer Wenjian Liu, killed on duty in December 2014, delivered a daughter after his death with sperm taken from her late husband, and she said Dominique had done the same.

“I am incredibly happy and excited for Dominique,” said the officer’s widow Sanny Liu after the service, which she attended with her 5-year-old Angelina. “Dominique has a big heart and deep love for her husband. Dominique is such a special woman and the baby is going to be extremely special.”

The announcement came after an emotional Luzuriaga detailed the dark and difficult days after Rivera’s sudden death. “I lost my husband, my partner, my friend,” she said.