Soldier indicted for murder 8 years after the deaths of 2 adopted toddlers: 'Step towards justice'
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- Nearly eight years after two children who were adopted by a Fort Bragg soldier died, there have been some new legal developments in the investigation.
According to court documents, Anthony Rivera was indicted Monday, May 19, for the murder of his two and three-year-old children, Olivia and Michael.
The children died less than a year after being adopted by Rivera.
More than two years ago, in March 2023, charges against Rivera had been withdrawn, according to military court records obtained by ABC11 News.
The children's cousin, Amanda Johnson, sent ABC11 this statement about Rivera's indictment:
"This indictment marks a significant step towards justice for my cousins. After many years, seeing this case move forward brings hope for accountability. While nothing can ease the pain of their suffering and murder at the hands of their adoptive parents, I hope this process brings some measure of justice and awareness.
"My family is forever grateful for the diligent work of prosecutors and law enforcement in pursuing this case. It shows why we need to protect children and stop this from happening again."
It's a case ABC11 Eyewitness News has been following and updating with new developments as they happen.
Case Timeline
Michael died in November 2017 after waking from a nap. He was "pale, staring off and moaning," according ot the original report.
Two months later, his younger sister, Olivia, was reported dead after the parents found her unresponsive in her crib.
The medical examiner's investigation labeled both toddlers' deaths as homicides from blunt force trauma. Their autopsies detailed similar injuries from contusions and abrasions on the legs and face to severed backbones to healing fractures.
Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens, a child abuse advocate, called the number of injuries described in the report "incredible."
Court records show Rivera pleaded not guilty in January 2023. He was scheduled to go on trial in February 2023 after he was issued a court martial in 2021.
On March 1, 2023, charges against Rivera were withdrawn, according to military court records. Bragg officials told the ABC11 I-Team that the military judge disqualified the prosecutors working on the case due to a potential conflict of interest. The case was not closed, instead, a higher command will take it on.
Featured video in media player is from a previous report.
