A Kennett Square man has been charged with first-degree murder and related offenses following the fatal stabbing of a 69-year-old resident during an attempted vehicle theft in Kennett Township.
According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, 33-year-old Javier Rivera was taken into custody during the early morning hours of August 11, 2025, and is being held without bail at Chester County Prison.
Investigators say the incident began on the evening of August 10, when Rivera attempted to steal a BMW from a driveway at a residence in Kennett Township. The victim, identified as the car’s owner, confronted Rivera, leading to a chase up the driveway. At some point, Rivera allegedly stabbed the victim in the torso and neck, causing fatal injuries.
After the stabbing, authorities said that Rivera fled on foot and stole multiple vehicles in an effort to avoid capture. During his flight, he crashed into a gray Honda Accord, and when the drivers exited to exchange information, he allegedly stole that vehicle. Later, Rivera is accused of driving another stolen car to West Chester, where he was confronted by two residents after breaking into a home on New Street.
Police say Rivera ultimately returned to his Kennett Square home in a stolen Honda CRV. He was found wearing clothing matching witness descriptions, with a laceration on his right palm and what appeared to be dried blood on his shoes and shirt officials said.
“This quiet community was shattered by senseless violence,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. “Thankfully Chester County law enforcement was able to work together to identify and capture this Defendant quickly before he could hurt others.”
Kennett Township Police Chief Matthew Gordon described the stabbing as “a brutal attack that shocks the conscience” and stated there was “no reason for anyone to be stabbed last night.”
The Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation with assistance from Kennett Township Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Kennett Square Police, Southern Chester County Regional Police, and West Chester Police. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Chester County Detectives at (610) 344-6866.
