Son accused of killing mother in her DeBary home

DEBARY, Fla. — A 30-year-old man is accused of killing his mother in DeBary on Wednesday.

Volusia County deputies said David Rivera, 30, was arrested late Wednesday after his mother, Belgica Rivera, 55, was found dead in her home on Sunrise Boulevard.

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Deputies said she appeared to have died from injuries caused by an edged weapon.

Investigators said they learned that Belgica Rivera had been in an argument with her son about three days ago, and that he had a history of violent and threatening behavior toward her.

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After taking David Rivera into custody, deputies said they noticed dried blood on his clothes that matched his mother’s blood.

Deputies said David Rivera’s previous arrests include one that stemmed from a 2016 incident involving his mother. After an argument, deputies said, he climbed a tree and killed one of his mother’s dogs by hanging it. He was charged with felony animal cruelty.

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Deputies said he is being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a charge of first-degree murder.

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