In a heartbreaking case of domestic violence, 18-year-old Amelio Rivera has been charged with the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, 17-year-old Rihanna Kemp, who was shot in her sleep at her home in Avondale, Arizona. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of November 8, when police responded to reports of a shooting at the Rio Santa Fe Apartments. Upon arrival, officers found Kemp with a gunshot wound to her head. She was rushed to the hospital but was later declared brain dead and succumbed to her injuries that afternoon.
Rihanna Kemp, a senior at Auafira High School, was a vibrant young woman with dreams of attending Arizona State University to study cosmetology and continue her passion for music in the school band. Her family described her as a beautiful soul with an infectious laugh, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew her.
Initial investigations revealed that Rivera and Kemp had a tumultuous relationship, marked by jealousy and conflict. Court documents indicate that Rivera had attempted to gain access to Kemp’s home around 11 p.m. the night before the shooting, but the two engaged in a verbal altercation after Rivera discovered she was allegedly involved with another man. In a fit of rage, Rivera left but returned later that night, reportedly slashing the tires of 14 vehicles in the vicinity as an act of revenge, causing an estimated $2,800 in damages.
Rihanna’s mother awoke to find a masked gunman in their home, who attempted to shoot her but failed when the gun clicked without firing. In her desperate attempt to protect her daughter, she later discovered Rihanna unconscious in her room, having been shot in the head. Investigators found a 9mm shell casing at the scene and later recovered a Glock 43 handgun matching the casings from Rivera’s home, as well as a ski mask.
Rivera, who was arrested shortly after the incident, has denied involvement in Kemp’s murder but admitted to the tire slashing. He has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder of Rihanna’s mother due to the violent nature of the incident. The court has set his bond at $1 million.
Legal experts indicate that the case is complicated, as Rivera’s defense may focus on circumstantial evidence, including the lack of eyewitness testimony placing him at the scene of the shooting. However, the ballistics evidence linking the firearm to the crime could pose a significant challenge for the defense. If convicted of first-degree murder, Rivera faces a mandatory life sentence, while a plea deal or conviction for second-degree murder could result in a lengthy prison term of 20 to 25 years.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can arise from toxic relationships. Rivera’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 20, as the community mourns the loss of a bright young life taken too soon.
