Fall River Man Sentenced For Brutal Stabbing
A nine to twelve year prison sentence was handed down for a Fall River man in connection with the brutal stabbing of his live-in girlfriend.
Gregg Miliote, Director of Communications for the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, announced on Friday that 23-year-old Eric Rivera pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to charges of armed assault with intent to murder, aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, intimidation of a witness and strangulation.
The incident occurred on March 31, 2015, when the victim, a 23-year-old female, noticed money missing from her bank account.
Miliote says the while she was on the phone Rivera ran downstairs at their Sunset Hill home and grabbed an 8 inch knife.
Rivera put his arm around his girlfriend's neck causing her to lose consciousness.
He then proceeded to stab her multiple times in the abdomen, throat and elsewhere.
Rivera then called 911 and asked officers to kill him once they arrived.
The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where she underwent surgery and received hundreds of staples to close her wounds.
In addition to his sentence Rivera must also serve five years of supervised probation upon his release from prison. Conditions of probation are: abstain from drugs/ alcohol; random testing, maintain mental health treatment, take prescribed medications and stay away from the victim.