Man charged with murder after attempted car theft

(WPHL) — A Chester County man has been arrested after he stabbed another man in his driveway after attempting to steal his car.

According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, 33-year-old Javier Rivera is being charged with First Degree Murder.

Rivera allegedly attempted to steal a BMW from a home in Kennett Township.

The 69-year-old resident of the home and owner of the car began to argue with Rivera, which is when Rivera chased the resident up the driveway and stabbed him in the torso and neck, killing him.

After stabbing the victim, Rivera fled on foot and stole a series of cars to evade capture, police say.

Rivera crashed into a gray Honda Accord, and when the driver got out to exchange information, Rivera allegedly stole the gray Accord.

Rivera then drove the stolen car to West Chester and was confronted by two residents after he broke into a home on New Street.

Rivera then returned to his Kennett Square home in the stolen Honda CR-V.

Police located him wearing the same clothes as reported by witnesses. He had a laceration on his right palm, and a reddish-brown substance—consistent with dried blood—on his shoes and shirt.

He was arrested on August 11, 2025, and is currently held without bail in Chester County Prison.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This quiet community was shattered by senseless violence. Thankfully, Chester County law enforcement was able to work together to identify and capture this Defendant quickly before he could hurt others.”

Kennett Township Police Chief Matthew Gordon stated, “This was a brutal attack that shocks the conscience. There was no reason for anyone to be stabbed last night.”

If anyone has information about this investigation, they should contact the Chester County Detectives at (610) 344-6866.