A sailor from the carrier Nimitz who had just returned from a six-month deployment is dead after an apparent murder-suicide involving his wife on the evening of Dec. 13.
Police say Airman Francisco Rivera, 23, allegedly stabbed his wife, Marie Aurora Rivera, 22, several times before hanging himself at the couple’s Bremerton, Washington, residence, the Kitsap Sun reported.
Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, Navy officials said.
Two friends of the couple called the police after finding the pair’s remains, Bremerton Police Lt. Randy Plumb told the Kitsap Sun.
Rivera, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, enlisted in the Navy in November 2015. He had no record of disciplinary action, Navy officials said.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Navy officials would not disclose whether Airman Rivera exhibited any warning signs of mental turmoil or sought counseling or medical care while deployed, services that officials say are readily available on board.
The Nimitz returned to its home port of Naval Base Kitsap on Dec. 10 after a regularly scheduled western Pacific tour.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and crew members affected during this difficult time,” Navy officials said.
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
