Man Makes Up Fake Assailant Story to Hide Stabbing of Lover

Albuquerque –

On May 21st, 2025, we reported on a stabbing at 9301 Volcano Rd NW at a mobile home park. When officers arrived they found a woman with stab wounds and she was transported to UNMH with critical wounds.

Officers started investigating the case and learned that the woman and 50-year-old Joseph Rivera were in a domestic violence situation at the El Mesquite store. The store is located down the street from their home. Rivera was outside the house washing his face with a water hose. He initial told officers that he and his partner were at the store when an unknown man approached their vehicle. The mystery man pepper sprayed him and attacked him. A white vehicle continued following him and he said that he parked at the gas station.

He said they got home and the unknown man followed them all the way home and he entered their residence. The mysterious assailant pepper sprayed the couple again and tried to take their truck keys. Rivera stated that the mystery man then stabbed his lover and just fled the scene.

Officers interviewed the victim at the hospital and she indicated that her and Rivera were in a domestic violence situation. She was pepper sprayed by him and then stabbed multiple times by Rivera.

After the revelation of Rivera stabbing her, he recanted his entire made up story and admitted to being the one who stabbed her because she was hitting her with a club. He then told officers the knife was hidden under some muddy dirt and described it as a kitchen knife. Officers were able to find the knife and tagged it for evidence.

Rivera was charged with battery of a household member, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence.