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Boy, 9, found dead in burning car near New Jersey high school: officials
SAYREVILLE, N.J. (PIX11) --- A man is accused of setting a car on fire after his 9-year-son was found dead in the burning vehicle near a New Jersey school Thursday night, authorities said.
Police found Manuel Rivera, 43, with burns and a self-inflicted wound near the torched car on Washington Road near Sayreville High School at around 10:45 p.m., prosecutors said. Rivera's son was found in the vehicle, which was doused with gasoline and lit on fire, officials said.
Authorities said Rivera allegedly left his home with the child after a domestic dispute.
Rivera was charged with aggravated arson and could face additional charges depending on the autopsy report, officials said.
The father works for Sayreville Public Schools and the son was a student at a town elementary school, according to a statement from Sayreville War Memorial High School.
"It is with great shock and sorrow that I report to you that a Wilson School student was tragically killed last night in a car fire behind Sayreville War Memorial High School," the statement said. "If you are a person of faith, please take the time to pray for our student and his family, including his extended family at the Wilson School. If you are not, please take a moment to send your positive thoughts to him and his family."
Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Michael Pirigyi of the Sayreville Police Department at 732-727-4444 or Detective Jose Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3289.
This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates.