An 11-year-old boy and his 73-year-old grandmother remain in critical condition at Centro Médico in Río Piedras following a machete attack inside a residence in Utuado, according to local news reports. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Javier E. González Rivera, was shot and killed by police at the scene after allegedly attacking the victims and confronting responding officers.
Utuado Machete Attack Leaves Two in Critical Condition
According to reports from El Nuevo Día, the violent incident occurred on Friday at a home located at kilometer 3.5 of PR-111 in the Viví Arriba neighborhood of Utuado. Javier E. González Rivera, who was the son of the 73-year-old victim, Nélida Rivera Rodríguez, and the uncle of the 11-year-old boy, broke into the residence and assaulted both family members with a machete. Both victims sustained severe injuries requiring specialized medical care.
Police officers arrived at the scene following an emergency call. An armed confrontation ensued when officers encountered González Rivera, resulting in police firing on the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Urgently Seeks Blood Donors at Centro Médico
In the wake of the attack, relatives and friends turned to social media to coordinate emergency assistance for the hospitalized victims. According to El Nuevo Día, family members launched an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donations, sharing messages such as, “Hoy por mi familia, mañana por la tuya” (Today for my family, tomorrow for yours).
The 11-year-old victim played a critical role in the immediate aftermath of the assault. Reporting from El Nuevo Día notes that the child managed to place the emergency call to the 9-1-1 system, which allowed authorities to mobilize to the Utuado residence.
Donation Guidelines and Hospital Information
The Banco de Sangre at Centro Médico in Río Piedras is handling donations for the victims. According to El Nuevo Día, the blood bank operates from Monday through Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., located adjacent to the main parking lot and plaza.
Donors must present a valid photo identification containing the two apellidos (surnames) of the patient. For Nélida Rivera Rodríguez, donors must list her name on the paperwork. For the 11-year-old boy, donors must list the grandmother’s name alongside the designation “baby boy” due to his status as a minor, as reported by El Nuevo Día. Donors are advised to have eaten prior to arriving. Whole blood donations do not require an appointment, whereas platelet donations must be scheduled in advance by calling 787-777-3844.
Community Response and Support Resources
Utuado Mayor Jorge Pérez Heredia expressed solidarity with the family, characterizing the municipality as typically peaceful and family-oriented, according to El Nuevo Día. Local officials and community members continue to process the impact of the violence.
Individuals experiencing emotional distress or considering self-harm can access free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Línea PAS at 1-800-981-0023 (1-888-672-7622 TDD).
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