Children of Wilkes-Barre homicide victim speaking out
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Family members of Wilkes-Barre homicide victim Nicole Cuevas are seeking justice.
28/22 News Reporter Madonna Mantione found so many heartfelt posts and comments on social media.
While it’s a difficult time for the family, Mantione spoke with her children Thursday who tell us they’re heartbroken.
Ricardo Rivera, the son of 38-year-old Nicole Cuevas, wants justice.
My mom’s last words months before it happened were ‘I’m trying to change for you and your sister.’ Had I known that would’ve been the last time I ever saw her I would’ve told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me.
Ricardo Rivera, the son of Nicole Cuevas.
Police say Cuevas was tortured and badly beaten; her body was found buried in the dirt basement of 142 Carlisle Street in Wilkes-Barre.
Five people have been arrested and charged in connection to her death.
3 wanted for allegedly assaulting handicapped senior citizen and bystander
One of them is 43-year-old Desiree Linnette of Edwardsville, who police say traveled to Wilkes-Barre with Cuevas from Michigan in March 2023 to pursue a possible relationship.
Court records uncovered by 28/22 news reveal Linnette has a criminal history.
She was previously charged with felonious assault in 2018 for attacking a woman with an extension cord, but the charges were dismissed.
“We had our ups and downs but to me she was the best mom nobody’s perfect but to me she was I don’t know why they took my mom from me at all,” Ricardo said about his mom.
Anastacia Rivera, the daughter of Nicole Cuevas, is also grieving the loss of her mother.
“The criminals who did this stuff should get the death penalty she was the only person who was there for me, they took a piece of my heart and I’m not stopping until they go through the same pain she went through.
Anastacia Rivera, the daughter of Nicole Cuevas
“My mom loved me and my brother and our family, she was trying to find herself in this crazy world but they put an end to her life way to soon,” Anastacia said.
The five suspects are all behind bars as they await their preliminary hearings.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
