Trial in 2023 young bicyclist’s death moved to June
The trial for a Butler man charged in the October 2023 death of a 15-year-old boy, who was riding his bike in Butler Township, has been moved to June.
Jury selection and the trial of Joshua Rivera, 39, are scheduled to begin June 5 before Senior Judge Christopher St. John. The trial had been scheduled for later this month.
Township police charged Rivera with felony counts of third degree murder, homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or injury and aggravated assault by vehicle, and misdemeanor charges of involuntary manslaughter and accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property, and four summary traffic violations following the Oct. 19 incident on Dutchtown Road that claimed the life of Aiden Lutz.
According to police, Lutz was riding his bike when he was struck by Rivera. The teen died Oct. 20 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh as a result of his injuries.
A witness testified at Rivera’s preliminary hearing in December 2023 that he saw a speeding car strike Lutz, who regularly rode his bike in the neighborhood.
The impact sent Lutz airborne, and the car passed under him before he landed on the street, the witness said.
Rivera stopped the car, got out and said, “Oh my God,” and “I’m so sorry” before speeding away, according to the witness.
Penn Township police found Rivera’s car the day of the incident at the rear of a home on Dutchtown Road. Rivera was arrested Oct. 22.
