MOBILE, Ala. — A Mobile County judge on Wednesday set bond at $4.5 million for Anthony Rivera, who is charged with the murders of three individuals following a roadside confrontation earlier this month. Rivera, who seemingly fled to Puerto Rico following the incident, was arrested upon his return to the United States.
According to the Mobile Police Department, Rivera was wanted by the FBI for unlawfully fleeing to evade prosecution. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood stated that Rivera’s capture was facilitated by his attorney, who coordinated with law enforcement for his surrender.
The tragic incident unfolded on Jan. 18, when police were called to a shooting at the Theodore Dawes Road overpass near Interstate 10. It was there that a dispute escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of 24-year-old Marco Alvarado, 30-year-old Cristian Aponte, and 28-year-old Angel Esparra.
Authorities suggest that Rivera arrived during the altercation and shot the three men. Following the incident, Rivera along with another individual reportedly fled the scene in separate vehicles before the arrival of law enforcement.
In the wake of the murders, the investigation continues to unravel the motives behind the altercation. According to DA Blackwood, initial findings suggest that the confrontation may have been sparked by a romantic dispute. “We believe at the center of this, there was a dispute over a woman that led to a fight, escalating into the fatal shooting,” Blackwood explained.
The judge assigned a $1.5 million bond for each count of murder, bringing Rivera’s total bond amount to $4.5 million. During the bond hearing, the potential risk of Rivera fleeing the jurisdiction played a significant role in the determination of his bond, given his prior flight following the murders.
With Rivera’s initial hearing scheduled for Feb. 27, the community remains anxious for answers and justice in the deaths of Alvarado, Aponte, and Esparra. As the case progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances that led to this violent encounter.
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