New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Records: Protective order preceded slaying
West Haven police say man killed former partner, self
WEST HAVEN — A protective order had been issued just a week before Juan Angel Rivera allegedly killed a woman he lived with and then died by suicide, court records show.
The order was issued after Rivera was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on Oct. 13, court records show. That case remained pending in court when, according to police, Rivera allegedly killed a 41-year-old woman at a Gilbert Street home they had shared.
The victim died of wounds to her neck and extremities, the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Friday.
West Haven police Sgt. Patrick Buturla declined Friday to release the slain woman’s name, citing advice from the state
domestic violence counsel.
Chief Medical Examiner James Gill said in an email that the death of Liliana Rivera, 41, had been ruled a homicide and determined to be caused by “wounds” to her neck and extremities. Attempts to reach Liliana Rivera’s family were unsuccessful Friday.
Juan Rivera, listed as a resident of the Gilbert Street home where the slaying took place, had been arrested Oct. 13 and was named in a protective order issued in the case at his arraignment the following day, according to judicial records on file in Superior Court in Milford. The case was referred to family services, the record shows.
The name of the protected party in that case, who is listed as an “intimate cohabitant” of Juan Rivera in the protective order, is redacted. Her listed date of birth would make her 41 as of Friday.
Rivera was released after paying 10 percent of his $500 bail in that Oct. 13 case, according to judicial records. As part of the conditions governing his release, he agreed to refrain from assaulting the protected individual, records show.
The case had been continued to Nov. 16 and the protective order was in place until “further order of the court,” the records show.
.
In the course of the investigation, officers determined the couple recently had ended a relationship that had lasted several years, Buturla said previously.
West Haven police were notified of the incident just before 5 a.m. Wednesday, Buturla previously said.
Officers went into the home and found a man and woman, both with wounds, dead in the living room area, he said. Police said Juan Rivera died by suicide.
Officials with Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence said in an email the slaying was the eighth homicide involving intimate romantic partners so far this year in Connecticut.
They offered advice to residents in need of aid in dealing with abusive relationships.
“Leaving is the most dangerous time for victims and we encourage anyone with concerns about their own safety or that of a loved one to reach out to Safe Connect or one of CCADV’s 18 member organizations,” Meghan Scanlon, president and CEO of the organization, said in the email.
“When a victim takes steps to end a relationship, this is the precise time that an abuser may begin to escalate violence in an attempt to regain control of the victim,” Scanlon said. “Certified domestic violence advocates across the state are available to provide options and resources for staying safe at this critical time.”
In a phone interview, Scanlon said Friday that protective orders are a “crucial tool” in helping protect victims of domestic violence and others at risk, but they are imperfect.
“Sometimes they work really well, and sometimes, in these instances, it didn’t work the way it was supposed to,” said Scanlon.
Scanlon urged anyone who felt unsafe in their relationship to reach out to CCADV. She said they can provide court advocates and family advocates, and help plan how and when a person can leave their living arrangement, if they so choose. The organization does its best to support the wants and needs of survivors, she said.
“It’s really survivor-driven,” said Scanlon. “Whatever he or she is comfortable with.”
Officials also urged anyone who feels unsafe in their relationship to contact the Connecticut Safe Connect program by calling or texting 888-774-2900 or connecting with staff through its website, CTSafeConnect.com.
The program provides “safety planning, extensive resources, and a safe connection to CCADV’s 18 member organizations for ongoing support and services locally” free of charge and confidentially, officials said.
“This is another tragic loss for our community and we want people to know that they are not alone, help is available,” said Esperina Stubblefield, director of domestic violence services at BHcare, which serves the New Haven, West Haven and Valley areas, in the email.
“Abusers often isolate victims from their family and friends, destroying those connections, which in turn makes leaving even more difficult and dangerous,” Stubblefield said. “Whether you have questions, need resources, or just want someone who will listen without judgment, advocates are available 24/7.”