Adam Walker Photo
Family members Elizabeth Rivera, Migdalia Nuzzo, and Michael Nuzzo at Wednesday's press conference.
Nearly a year after Miguel Rivera was found dead in a New Haven stream, police announced they have arrested two suspects and charged them both with murder.
Mayor Justin Elicker and Police Chief Karl Jacobson confirmed the arrests of a 37-year-old New Haven woman and a 28-year-old Naugatuck man, at a press conference held at police headquarters. Both arrestees are charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, murder in the commission of a felony, and robbery in the 2nd degree. They are both being held at $2 million bond each.
Rivera, 62, was discovered on the morning of July 19, 2024, in a stream near Hemingway Street. Emergency responders initially found no visible signs of trauma, but an autopsy conducted the following day by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide by strangulation.
Rivera’s family, who were notified of the arrests ahead of the press conference, expressed gratitude to police. They remembered Miguel as a kind and loyal son, brother, father, and friend, and requested continued privacy as the legal process moves forward.
“Mike was a cherished son, brother, father, and friend, a man whose kindness, humor, [and] his loyalty left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him,” brother-in-law Michael Nuzzo said. “His loss has left a void in our lives.”
The case was assigned to Detective Martin Podsiad of the department’s Major Crimes Unit. With support from the States’ Attorney’s Office, investigators secured arrest warrants earlier this month. The male suspect, a convicted felon, was already under court-mandated electronic monitoring for an unrelated case.
Police said the two individuals arrested were acquaintances of Miguel. They did not comment further on their relationship.
Officials credited the resolution of the case to a combination of “good old-fashioned police work,” community assistance, and technological tools, including surveillance footage, license plate readers, and electronic monitoring devices.
“This is about good detective work. It’s about technology. And it’s about community support,” Chief Jacobson said.
Still, Chief Jacobson emphasized that one violent death is too many.
“If you commit a violent crime in this city, we will find you and we will arrest you,” he said. “Put the guns down.”