Police say a man was lured outside while picking up his children, then stabbed repeatedly as his ex encouraged the attack.
SAN ANTONIO — A new arrest has been made in a child custody exchange that turned violent on San Antonio’s East Side.
The man accused of stabbing the children’s father, identified in court records as Abel Ali Rivas, was arrested Monday and is now facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The children’s mother, Melanie Sierra Gomez, had already been arrested in the case.
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According to the arrest affidavit, the victim, Oscar Javier Barbosa, went to the location on Feb. 19 to pick up his two children, whom he shares with Gomez. Barbosa told police he was instructed to go inside to get the children, then was told to head back outside.
That’s when, investigators say, Rivas approached Barbosa with a folding knife, said “what’s up,” insulted him and then stabbed him multiple times, causing serious bodily injury. Court records say Barbosa suffered numerous cuts to his stomach, sides and arms, and was later taken to surgery.
The affidavit also alleges Gomez played an active role in the attack. Barbosa told police she made comments about him getting his current girlfriend pregnant, told Rivas to “do what you are going to do,” and helped pin Barbosa against a vehicle, preventing him from escaping while Rivas stabbed him.
After the stabbing, police say Rivas drove off in Barbosa’s vehicle without his consent, while Gomez stayed behind briefly, continued making comments, and then fled.
Investigators say Barbosa identified Rivas to officers at the scene using a social media photo. Later, at the hospital, Barbosa identified both Rivas and Gomez in photo lineups. Barbosa’s girlfriend also identified Rivas and told police she recognized his voice because she had been in a relationship with him for about 10 years.