WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester community is grappling with the fallout from a tragic incident that unfolded earlier this week, leaving two men dead and several families in mourning. Authorities have identified Felix J. Rivera, 41, of Worcester, as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Yubar Perez, 40. The series of events, which began with the fatal shooting, culminated in Rivera’s own death by suicide during a tense police standoff on Interstate 190.
The troubling saga began to unravel on Wednesday afternoon, when officers were called to the scene of a shooting on Heroult Road in Worcester at approximately 2:20 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Perez suffering from critical gunshot wounds. First responders rushed him to a local hospital, but despite their efforts, Perez was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
While the exact relationship between Rivera and Perez remains unclear, investigators are working to piece together the events that led to the shooting. It has been confirmed, however, that the incident was not a random act of violence, with police continuing to probe the underlying motive and connection between the two men.
What followed the shooting was a dramatic and harrowing standoff on I-190 northbound near the East Mountain Street exit, which paralyzed the area with heavy police presence and significant traffic disruptions. Just 90 minutes after the initial shooting, Rivera was reported to be on the highway, armed and visibly agitated. According to witnesses, he was stopping vehicles and brandishing a firearm in what appeared to be a desperate and erratic state of mind.
Worcester police, in collaboration with state troopers, quickly responded to the scene, surrounding Rivera in an effort to de-escalate the situation. However, after a prolonged and tense standoff, Rivera turned the gun on himself, ending his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound before officers could intervene.
Court documents obtained following Rivera’s death have shed light on the troubled circumstances that may have led to this deadly turn of events. Just hours before the shooting of Perez, an arrest warrant had been filed for Rivera in Central District Court. The warrant stemmed from a domestic violence incident that took place the night before, in which Rivera allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a firearm.
According to these court records, Rivera’s behavior had become increasingly violent in the days leading up to the fatal shooting. His girlfriend reported to police that on Monday night, Rivera held her at gunpoint, threatening to kill her if she sought help. She was reportedly held against her will, fearing for her life as Rivera repeatedly pointed a revolver at her head, saying, “If you call the cops, you will be the first one to die.”
The charges filed against Rivera included aggravated kidnapping, domestic abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon. However, the warrant for his arrest had not yet been executed at the time of the shooting, leaving many to question whether quicker action could have prevented the subsequent tragedy.
Further investigation into Rivera’s past reveals that this was not his first encounter with law enforcement. In August, Rivera faced charges of strangulation, suffocation, and assault with a deadly weapon in a separate incident. This history of violence now paints a grim picture of a man whose behavior appeared to be spiraling out of control, culminating in a deadly act that claimed the life of an innocent man.
The death of Yubar Perez has sent shockwaves through the local community. Perez was a well-known and well-liked individual in Worcester. His family and friends have been left devastated by the sudden loss. Perez’s wife, Yakelyn Garcia, now faces the daunting challenge of raising their family without him. In response, friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Garcia and her children during this difficult time. The fundraiser describes Perez as a devoted husband and father who always put his family first, and the community has rallied around Garcia in an effort to provide some relief during this dark chapter.
The Worcester Police Department continues to investigate the case, including the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s standoff and suicide. They are also working to determine whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy, given Rivera’s violent history and the outstanding arrest warrant.
As the investigation progresses, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from unresolved domestic violence and escalating threats. The community mourns the loss of two lives, each ending in senseless violence, leaving behind grieving families and unanswered questions.