WEST NEW YORK — Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said investigators are looking for a 16-year-old youth in the beating death of Abraham Rivera, 29, of West New York. Rivera was positively identified by family members this week after he was found unconscious, without identification and his pockets turned inside out, in the early hours of June 6 in front of 424 61st St. in West New York.
He died within hours of being brought to the hospital, leading investigators on a chase to find the suspect.
Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio ruled the death a homicide on Monday afternoon. “He sustained blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and face,” said DeFazio.
DeFazio originally said investigators believed the victim was struck numerous times by a blunt object, but later modified that belief, based on evidence, to conclude that Rivera was allegedly stomped on.
Rivera worked at Mi Bandera on 32nd Street in Union City. It is believed that he was walking home from his Saturday night shift as a busboy when he was attacked.
DeFazio said that it is possible more than one teen or young adult was involved in the attack. Although the name of the teen has not yet been released, DeFazio said they may soon release the name of the teen — who also lives in West New York — in the interest of public safety.
Anyone with information about the incident should call Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad at (201) 915-1345.