Fort Bragg Officer Jailed for Murdering Adopted Children, Family Relieved

In a significant turn of events, an Arizona family is finding a measure of comfort following the arrest of a Fort Bragg officer implicated in the tragic deaths of his adopted children. The officer, Warrant Officer Anthony Rivera, along with his ex-wife Danielle Kennedy, faces serious charges related to the deaths of the young siblings.

Anthony Rivera, 36, residing in Fayetteville, and Danielle Kennedy, also 36, from Arizona, have both been charged with two counts of murder, among other charges, after the deaths of their adopted children, Michael and Olivia Rivera. The couple adopted the children in 2017 before relocating to North Carolina, where Michael, aged three, died in November 2017, followed by Olivia, aged two, in January 2018.

The duo is currently detained in the Harnett County jail, with Rivera’s bond hearing postponed until September. Despite the serious allegations, this marks Rivera’s first time in jail, as previous attempts by the U.S. Army to court-martial him were halted after local prosecutors initially dropped the case.

Harnett County District Attorney Suzanne Matthews has refrained from commenting on why her office decided to reinstate the prosecution, and Army representatives have similarly withheld documents or comments regarding their inquiries.

Rivera’s legal representative, Deborrah Newton, has filed for his release on bond, citing his suicide risk and ongoing active duty status. Newton argues that Rivera’s current detention conditions are inhumane and violate his constitutional rights, claiming he is confined in degrading conditions with limited access to medical care and communication with his family.

The Adoption and Move

The arrests have brought some relief to the children’s Arizona family, especially their cousin Amanda Johnson, who has been actively seeking justice. Johnson, who embarked on a personal investigation into the case, expressed gratitude towards law enforcement’s efforts, hoping they bring justice and awareness to the plight of children in similar scenarios.

Michael and Olivia were born to a mother struggling with addiction and were placed in foster care before the Riveras started the adoption process. Despite early signs of abuse noted by child welfare workers in Arizona, the adoption was finalized in August 2017. The family moved to North Carolina shortly thereafter.

Just days after their relocation, Olivia was taken to a hospital with injuries attributed to a fall down the stairs, a claim later contradicted by medical examinations. Similar circumstances surrounded Michael’s visit to a doctor a month later with back pain, which was also reportedly due to a fall.

Severe Injuries and Investigations

On November 18, Michael’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his death from severe injuries. An autopsy revealed extensive physical trauma, including spinal and aortic damage, likely from blunt force impacts. Despite these findings, Olivia continued to live with the Riveras until her death under similar suspicious circumstances two months later.

Following Olivia’s death, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, collaborating with Army investigators, reviewed the case, but prosecution was initially declined until the Army revisited the charges in 2021. Despite a series of court-martials, the case faced multiple withdrawals until the recent charges were filed.

Family’s Pursuit of Justice

Amanda Johnson, driven by a lack of transparency following the children’s deaths, pushed for answers, despite the closed nature of the adoption limiting her access to information. Her determination to uncover the truth led her to consult experts and push for accountability.

Marcia Herman-Giddens, an expert on child-abuse fatalities, criticized the lack of action by social services, highlighting the severe injuries as signs of extreme abuse that should have prompted immediate intervention. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services later identified gaps in training and coordination between authorities in such cases.

Court records indicate that by 2020, the Rivera-Kennedy biological sons were removed from the home, reflecting ongoing concerns about the family’s environment. Johnson remains committed to advocating for the children, both for justice in their case and to prevent similar tragedies within her family and beyond.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series focusing on accountability and public issues affecting North Carolina. Suggestions for future stories can be emailed to realitycheck@newsobserver.com.

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