Maryland Mother Charged with Stabbing Her Son During Fatal Altercation

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a Maryland mother charged with stabbing her Son during a dispute, with conflicting accounts of the incident further complicating the tragic narrative. Explore the developing details of this devastating case that has deeply impacted the Lanham community.

Querida Rivera, from Lanham, Maryland mother charged with stabbing her son, 21-year-old Cristos Johnson, during a dispute on January 25. (Photo: Fox 5 DC)

Querida Rivera Charged with Stabbing her Son, Authorities Allege Self-Defense in Tragic Dispute

In a tragic turn of events, a 42-year-old, Querida Rivera, from Lanham, Maryland mother charged with stabbing her son, 21-year-old Cristos Johnson, during a dispute on January 25. According to reports, the altercation between the mother and son led to Johnson sustaining fatal stab wounds, with Rivera alleging self-defense after claiming that her son had become aggressive and attempted to strangle her during the confrontation.

This devastating incident unfolded at the 8000 block of Greenfield Drive, prompting officers from the Prince George’s County Police Department to respond to the scene. Tragically, despite being rushed to the hospital, Johnson succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The gravity of the situation deepened as court documents revealed conflicting accounts of the altercation, with Rivera claiming self-defense while a witness reported an alternative version of events, suggesting that Rivera struck her son before stabbing him.

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The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently charged Rivera with first-degree murder and related charges. Rivera was apprehended on February 7 and incarcerated, with her mother testifying in her defense, emphasizing that Rivera was a good mother while pointing out previous instances of aggression from Johnson. Despite these assertions, a judge denied Rivera’s bond during her court appearance on February 8.

The community is left reeling from this heartbreaking tragedy, as the details continue to unfold and legal proceedings progress. The narrative of the events remains complex and sorrowful, evoking visceral emotions within the community and serving as a sobering reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the profound impact of fatal altercations within families.

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