An Elizabeth man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place overnight, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca jointly announced Saturday.
Officials said Mr. Edwin Rivera, 48, is charged with first-degree murder and two related weapons offenses in connection with the fatal stabbing of Mr. Jose Burgos, 56, of Elizabeth.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, December 31, members of the Elizabeth Police Department responded to the 400 block of Elizabeth Avenue after receiving reports of a stabbing at that location.
Burgos’ female friend drove him to Trinitas Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Colleen Ruppert, who is prosecuting the case.
According to police, Rivera was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held in the Union County Jail pending a first appearance.
This fast-moving investigation was led by the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Elizabeth Police Department, and was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit.
Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Danika Ramos at 908-451-7739, Detective Kevin Stanicki at 908-477-6649 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective Eduardo Lozada at 908-558-2033.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.