Neighbors React to Double Homicide in Avila Subdivision
The community is reeling from the murders of Dr. Hector Rivera and his wife, Debbie.
On a beautiful, sunny morning in the exclusive Avila subdivision in north Tampa, residents are typically out walking, riding their bikes or jogging.
But this morning, the streets were mostly empty, except for the throng of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputies combing the exclusive neighborhood following last night's double murder of a Tampa Bay area physician and his wife.
The sheriff’s office received several calls reporting gunshots in the subdivision just before 8 p.m. on Jan. 9. When a deputy responded, he found the bodies of Dr. Hector Rivera, 76, and his wife Debbie, 55, in their home at 814 Taray De Avila.
Hector Rivera was found in the front yard, Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said at an 11:30 a.m. press conference Tuesday. Debbie Rivera was found inside the home in a bathroom, Carter said.
Once detectives got inside the residence, it was obvious it was a homicide, Carter said.
Dive teams will continue to search the lake behind the Riveras home Tuesday, Carter said. Deputies also are searching the 11,000 square foot residence inch-by-inch.
So far, no motive has been determined, Carter said.
The crime scene is complex, Carter said, because of the size of the residence and because of where the bodies were found.
"We don't believe this is a random act," Carter said.
Deputies have spoken to some family members and it doesn't appear that anything was taken from the house, Carter said.
Neighbors shocked
Neighbors in the subdivision, which has upscale homes owned by prominent people such as former Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy, said that they are in disbelief.
The Riveras were good, involved, friendly people who had a lot of close friends, and their deaths are a tremendous loss, neighbors said.
Carol Childs, who runs the National Humane Society on Gunn Highway in Carrollwood, said Debbie Rivera owned a company called Distinctive Creations. Childs said Debbie Rivera contributed to fundraisers—one that was held at the Avila golf course—that helped fund the NHS, which is a nonprofit organization.
"She was very committed to her community," Childs said. "We knew we could count on her. She'll be dearly missed. The security there is very tight. This is shocking."
A 2006 feature in the Tampa Bay Times tells the story of how the Riveras met and introduced their daughter-in-law to their son, Hector Jr.
"She's not only a daughter-in-law to us; she's also one of our best friends," Debbie Rivera told the Times.
Security alert
The community gathered together once the alert came from security at about 10 p.m. last night. Neighbors were calling each other throughout the evening, checking on each other and making sure everyone was safe, they say.
Following the alert, security did what they were supposed to, one resident said, "That's the procedure. We know as residents that we're supposed to check our email for updates. They told us what to do and we did it."
On Tuesday, the streets were mostly empty, other than maintenance and construction workers. There were at least 40 deputies combing yards and knocking on doors along Avila Boulevard, the main thoroughfare through the neighborhood. The perimeter around the Rivera's home was surrounded by sheriff's deputies.
A search warrant was obtained at about 3 a.m. to search the home. Because the occupants were deceased, the sheriff's office had to wait for the warrant before they could go into the residence, Carter said.
"It's going to be a lengthy investigation," Carter said. Deputies are looking for any type of evidence, anywhere, she said.
The investigation is too preliminary to be specific with regard to a suspect or suspects, Cater said, when asked by a reporter if they are looking for more than one person.
Deputies are reviewing the subdivision's security logs, which monitor the vehicles going in and coming out of the neighborhood, Carter said.
The sheriff's office is asking for any residents who may have seen anything unusual in the neighborhood last night to contact them, Carter said. They also are asking residents who have video surveillance on their homes, especially if the cameras face the streets, to please share the footage with the sheriff's office.
Check Patch for further updates.
Editor's note: This article was updated at 12:25 p.m. Jan. 10 to include information from a press conference held by Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter.
stensticks
7:58 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I wouldn't eliminate some Occupy creep...they seem the most likely
Rasputin
8:10 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
You are a very sick individual, bringing your right-wing lunatic politics into this sad event.
Elizabeth Jetter
8:27 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Are you insane? Occupy Protesters are our heroes. Are YOU one of the 1%. Must be with that comment.
Mark
9:29 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I attend Occupy meetings. We kinda are the opposite of how you describe us. Maybe it's time for you to turn off mommies computer and give these poor victims a little more due respect. Failing that, I'd say it's past your bedtime.
Dayna
9:34 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
@stensticks - what a stupid remark....you obviously have no idea what you're talking about and yet you make idiotic statements....I just read your response to my entire office...without exception, everyone thinks you're a moron.
NRAGirl
9:59 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Occupy People, seem pretty harmless. They appear disheveled and high. They are obviously not gainfully employed.......my heroes indeed. Here I am, thinking that I should work for a living and contribute to society.
Danny Montes
10:15 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
what a sick comment to make about this terrible murders a--hole.
Chase
2:13 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Come on people this is America we shouldn't be so quick to pass judgement on the people against the Occupy movement and the same goes for those who support it. So what if the person who posted this comment is evidently anti-Occupy and his/her explanation for the cause of this tragic event is likely partially based on some biased opinions? He/she has the right to hold that view but it also certainly doesn't mean that it is not also based on observations on his/her behalf that might be indisputible facts. Because let's be honest, there are some examples of individuals(not everyone) within the Occupy crowds that stain the movement with a bad reputation which causes some people to associate these individuals as no different from the respectable Occupy protesters(whom I mostly support). I think that for the pro-Occupy and anti-Occupy groups to reach an agreement we need have a full understanding of both groups' arguments and of the whole truth behind conflicts such as this because it prevents the hostile emotions that emerge from these one-sided arguments. They almost never end up with a unanimous agreement because we only become more entrenched in our beliefs usually out of spite for the other group, where as if we were to try to sympathize with each other's group, it would likely result in an agreement between the groups if they both made valid points with solid reasoning and if the individuals within the groups had the sense to seriously consider the other groups' argument.
johns123123
10:39 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Maybe it was OJ. He's done it once...
margaret
8:05 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
probably a love triangle -- jealous lover - may be a gay lover --
Charles McGill
8:52 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
No, it was probably you, Margaret, and you are just saying that to throw police off on the investigation. (That's a sarcastic statement)
Seriously, why would you just make things up with no facts at all to support your statement?
Snap
9:05 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
YEH i can tell, just by looking at the tree in the front yard , sooooo you are so right, I would have never noticedthat HUGE clue, maybe you should call the police with your findings LOL
hasbeen
12:15 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
been there done it, believe it was a tri, as it has all happened to me.
P
8:11 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
sleepers waking.
Linda Sinclair
8:14 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Those two statements were ignorant as hell! Nobody knows anything, but the police, IF they know....stop with the b.s. assumptions....ONLY an idiot would make comments like yours, both of you.
bob sutten
9:06 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Only an idiot. Well, all of you; STOP ACTING LIKE Nancy Grace. None of you have any idea what happened.
Lissette Francis
8:16 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
maybe a murder-suicide...................
Marla Sue Sheridan
10:16 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
If this was a murder suicide they wouldn't be searching for something ....it would be kind of obvious
Jerry Belle
8:17 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Nice try stensticks...what did you do, just sign up for a new username and come on posing as a right-winger? Well, it seems Rasputin bought your BS hook, line, and sinker.
To the family of Dr. Hector Rivera and his wife, Debbie - my condolences and sympathy.
Rasputin
8:21 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hey, I just reacted like any normal person to a post that shows ignorance at the utmost degree. Or hate.
christopher
8:18 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
These tragic events shows that crime is not held back by any gates or stone walls. So sad!
Lora
8:19 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It is sad and tragic to hear that a couple who have worked and given back to their community, who have been good neighbors and friends, who were productive and involved citizens, have been coldly murdered in their own homes. My heart goes to all of their loved ones, family, friends, and neighbors. May the perpetrator be caught quickly and brought to justice, now and for eternity.
Ronda Myers
8:21 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Seriously?!?! They had to wait for a search warrant after a double homicide?! What the hell are these Floridians smoking? SMFH over and over!
Charles McGill
10:23 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Actually, there is a public safety exception to the constitutional requirement of a search warrant. Once the police knew there was a murder they had the right and the obligation to search the premises to make sure the shooter wasn't still there and to secure any weapon that may still be there and they could do that without a warrant.
JJ Mclure
9:08 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
illegal aliens run all over FL
Chris Taylor
8:22 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thanks to Jerry and Linda for your comments. Surely, there are still a number of unanswered questions surrounding this case. We'll keep you updated.
Chuck
8:54 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It is so sad that we live in a world full of hatred and violence. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and relatives of the Rivera's. May they rest in peace. As for the perpetrator, vengeance shall be mine, said the Lord.
Snap
9:03 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I agree with chuck , and what is almost as bad as the murder or death of these two people is that morons will come here and make wise cracks or rude remarks about the situation.
ITS a news story and posted for us to read or talk about , not to sucker punch the victims or their family . Ihope the peopel that monitor this site remove some of what is here
Chris Taylor
9:06 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sheriff David Gee is planning to make a major announcement in this case at 10:30 p.m. We'll post the details as we get them. We just posted this story on the announcement. http://carrollwood.patch.com/articles/sheriff-to-make-major-announcement-in-avila-homicide-case
Snap
9:07 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I cant believe the nutty stuff I read on these news stories by the readers, someones mother and father or daughter and son are dead/murdered AND all the nuts come here to post crazy senarios for their families to read
Shannon Lynam
9:13 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
so... im thinkin what if it was a thought out murder... and the ppl knew there were gates and security, so... what if they came up on boat because in the story it talks about a lake behind the home, that way they wouldnt be seen... just an idea
GAIL LONG
9:17 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How very sad. I wonder who did it and why? I hope they find the perpetrator (s). Society is sick. No one is immune from evil and danger. I can't imagine how all the neighbors must feel after this crime. May God grant them peace in the midst of this stressful time and keep them in safety. My heart goes out to the family and the neighbors.
Sandy Messier Barbour
9:22 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
you are so right snap
Stew
9:31 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Can't think of a better reason to be a gun owner. Protect your family!
Chris Taylor
9:42 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hi everyone, I had to remove a few comments for foul language and personal attacks. We're hoping to have some new details on this story soon.
Arlene Tetreault
9:49 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thanks Mr. Taylor.
patrick connelly
9:43 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
maby perp wanted some oxicotin
patrick connelly
9:44 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
only a drugged out perp wouldve tried to kill those two people where there is so much security
Arlene Tetreault
10:04 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Know what Patrick? I doubt it because it wouldn't be the first time terrible things happened behind the abuse of Oxycontin; the only thing is, our government made it so that the makers of that drug had to reformulize it and, in its updated state, I don't think people would actually kill for them. However, this horrific deed could have been committed for something as simple as that. Sad...sick.
Arlene Tetreault
9:47 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
OMG what a tragic story...tragic reality. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. and Mrs. Rivera. On a less serious note, and for fear of appearing to be as moronic as some of the other contributors who embarrassingly typed their 2 cents worth, I remember an episode of Criminal Minds which was similar to this awful event. The bad guy was actually one of the residents of the gated community where at least 3 random murders had taken place. It doesn't matter how careful, protective or guarded you are, one never knows. I know it sounds morbid, but I'm going to follow this story, not because of the goriness of it, but I want to know every bit of how this psychopath gets caught.
David Lucero
10:16 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I belive that what should be said on this page, is pure expression of condolences for the Family neighbors and friends, not one's opionion of who,what,why or even I think. People please express the goodness from your hearts not ideals or negative satements, Love one another and stop critiquing one another peace to all of you.
Robin Simmons
10:28 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sadly I believe it to be Mrs. Rivera that was the intended target(and the reason her gunshot(s) were muffled or silenced) and that even sadder that it was when Dr. Rivera was returning from eating dinner at a neighbors house as he walked up to his home he came face to face with the perpatrator who had just killed his wife and was fleeing the scene.. It was because of those reasons along with the fact that this perp was known to Dr. Rivera that he then felt he had no choice and tho cometely unplanned that he had to then shoot Dr. Rivera.. Due to those unplanned circumstances thus the reason that the gunshot(s) killing Dr. Rivera were NOT muffled/silenced but rather clearly heard by neighbors setting in motion the immediate flurry of 911 calls.. With police quickly on their way the perp that had only intended to kill one of the Riveras was now panic stricken as he fled the scene in his realizing that shooting Dr. Rivera in such a spur of the moment reaction left him extremely vulnerable to being quickly sought out and found.. I believe we are about to here in this live presser that there's been an arrest of this perpatrator.
My prayers are with the family and friends of the Riveras..
Jan
10:57 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thank G-od they caught the maniac that killed these two fine people. Hope the justice system gets it right this time.
gerard
11:55 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Was it the one armed man?
Susan
11:58 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The justice system is getting worse everyday. I sat in court for 3 hr's just watching & listening to what goes on in our courts. It's a shame. I hope they catch the lunatic who murdered the Riveras and give him the needle. Not life in prison either
Kimberly Gorman
2:11 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
RUSS G RHODE ISLAND:THE PERSON OR PERSONS THAT COMMITTED THIS CRIME WILL GET CAUGHT .THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW ALWAYS REACHES OUT AND TOUCHES THESE DIRT BAGS.IF ONLY EVERY STATE HAD THE DEATH PENALTY. THESE DIRT BAGS WOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE TAKEN ONES LIFE..YOU WOULD THINK..WELL FLORIDA HAS IT AND IT DIDNT STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING.BUT ITS GOOD TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CAUGHT YOUR GOING TO PAY THE ALTIMATE PRICE( YOUR LIFE).AN EYE FOR A EYE A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH DIRT BAGS.STOP LEAVING AND FEEDING THESE DIRT BAGS ON DEATH ROW FOR YEARS ON END.IT IS A WASTE OF TAX PAYERS MONEY TO DO SO.GIVE THE MONEY FOR THIS TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS.THE MONEY WOULD BE BETTER OFF SPENT THESE.DOGS AND CATS GET PUT DOWN EVERY DAY.NOT FOR A CRIME JUST BECOUSE THERE OWNERS SUBJECT THEM TO THIS SENTENCE.WELL THE JUDGE IS GOING TO SENTENCE YOU TO DEATH WHEN YOUR CAUGHT.
Life's Freedom
2:13 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
My sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. & Mrs. Riveras, may God Bless and comfort you, and give you strength in this period of darkness. Prayers also that the perpetrator will be in police custody asap, and to restore peace and faith back into the community.
Maritz
4:07 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How horrible. Here I am wishing I could afford to live in such a tightly guarded community and then I find out two prominent members of the community are gunned down, one on his front lawn. I feel so terrible for their friends and family - two lives cut short - solid contributing members of the community weren't even safe behind those high walls. Just awful....
Stan Counts
6:22 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
the couples driver/assitant did it
spartracus
6:44 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Looks like a hit to me.
Bob
7:01 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Whats wrong with the law enforcement, they got the call a 8:oo pm & did't find the body in the front yard till 11:30 am. Thats 15 1/2 hrs later.
joeypad@aol.com
7:21 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
40 police officers combing the area..if it was some poor slob you would be lucky to see 2 cops doing their job..just goes to show money talk BS walks
John Gilbert
8:13 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The good doctor and his wife are heros! They didn't have a gun. We should cheer them on at their funerals. Let this be a lesson to us all. Get rid of guns so burglars can do their work without fear.
Jon Owen
9:00 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
You Sir...are an idiot!
Squeeks910
8:44 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wow, shocked at some of the sarcastic ignorant comments people are making. This is truly a sad situation. I hope they find whoever did this and they get what they deserve. I am puzzled why on earth would they would Police need a search warrant to enter the house when two people are deceased. What if the the intruder/s were still in the home.
Laura
8:51 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
They've already arrested someone and are charging him with premeditated murder.
http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2012/january/368308/First-appearance-today-for-suspect-in-double-murder?cid=rss&cmpid=facebook
judith l. corey
9:44 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Gee, all those restrictions and surrendered personal liberties to live in a Gated HOA Kingdom, yet they still get murdered?
Very sad - but kinda ironic. As Benjamin Franklin said (paraphrasing) : 'Those who would give up essential liberties for security deserve neither liberty or security'...
maureen
10:11 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
there sure are a lot of sick and stupid comments here, what the hell!? no one respects human life! how twisted people are in this sad world! not many are capable of showig love or compassion anymore. this is just tragic
David Qman
10:35 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
As usual, the weapon of choice is a gun because guns are the most effective weapon in a crime in terms of lethality, ease of use etc
If every gun had the latest finger print technology, guns would not be stolen and used in a crime or used by minors that result in tragic accidents.
The government should ban all guns without the finger print technology and give legal gun owners free guns with the finger print technology installed.
Furthermore, all legal gun owners have to pass the latest government-paid brain scan technology that scans for empathy
and if the legal gun owner fails the test, he cannot own a gun and would be able to get a gun only when he passes the next annual government-paid brain scan.
Strict gun control does work as can be seen in countries like Singapore where homicides related to guns is 99 to thousands of times less than in the US
since in certain years, there are zero homicides in Singapore that are related to guns compared to thousands of homicides per year in the US related to guns.
Not only is Singapore strict with who gets guns, the fact that AK-47 assault rifle prices are much higher in Singapore than other countries with strict gun control,
shows that the supply of AK-47 assault rifles is limited in Singapore probably due to gun control laws being strictly enforced
Arlene Tetreault
1:24 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I see things in terms of comments and feedback haven't improved much since last night. Gotta tell ya, though, I did laugh when I saw the comment, "OJ did it"! Sorry, I tend to get kinda stupid when hearing about tragic stuff....it has always been my defense. Today is gonna be real tough for the family and friends; by now some of the denial has lifted. God be with all who were in the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Rivera; may God rest their souls.
TAMPA NATIVE
9:01 pm on Friday, January 13, 2012
As a Tampa native although these are nice people. No one is above reproach. Debbie was her husband's medical assistant and then became his wife. He was a married man with three children. Their son, is not his only child as he was 21 years older than she was. I don't believe that he would kill her over the theft of jewelry. The typical thing to do is either face up to it or return it. Not murder you employer and then her spouse. I too believe that this is some sort of love triangle.
Devin Johnson
3:27 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
i find that it is sickening for someone to take a life that they did not give. i just dont see how the killer found it in their heart to do such a thing. I am very sorry for your lost and my prayers go out to the family.