Former boyfriend of murdered 12-year-old’s mother identified as suspect in boy’s killing, HCSO says

In Cloverleaf, Texas, authorities have identified 27-year-old Terry Bryan Rivera as the suspect in the murder of 12-year-old Carlos Fernandez, who was shot at his home early Monday morning. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Rivera, who previously dated Carlos’ mother and shares two children with her, remains at large and has been charged with capital murder. Deputies recovered a grey pickup truck believed to have been used by Rivera during the shooting.

Carlos’ relatives revealed that Rivera had assaulted the boy’s mother just days before the fatal incident. Witnesses corroborated the attack, which occurred last Friday. Despite law enforcement responding to the incident, no arrests were made, and the family feels that the tragedy could have been prevented.

Rivera has a significant criminal history, including a prior arrest for strangling a female relative in 2014. Although he was initially charged with a third-degree felony, he pleaded guilty to a lesser offense. In 2023, he was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon but pleaded down to a lesser offense.

Carlos’ family laments the loss of a “good kid” who supported them by working as a landscaper and handyman during the summers. They believe Carlos was targeted because he symbolized the man of the house and would defend his mother at all costs.

In the words of Grace Gonzales, Carlos’ great-aunt, “He doesn’t deserve to be out here, free, and my nephew is six feet under.” She believes Carlos was taken from them because Rivera couldn’t have Carlos’ mother, so he targeted the next best thing – her son.