Murder Charges Levied in Bridgeport Christmas Eve Shooting

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Two men have been charged with murder and other crimes in a Christmas Eve shooting in Bridgeport, police said.

On Dec. 24, just after midnight, Miguel Rivera, 33, was shot and killed in front of 323 North Ave., police said.

Detectives were able to quickly develop information in the case and secure arrest warrants for Xavier Rivera, 34, and Moises Contreras, 29, police said.

On Jan. 24, Contreras was taken into custody without incident at his mother's home at 400 Olive St., Bridgeport, police said. He has been charged with murder, first-degree unlawful restraint, the criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit and the unlawful discharge of a firearm, police said.

His bond was set at $750,000, police said.

On Tuesday, the United States Marshal's Violent Fugitive Task Force, staffed in part by three Bridgeport police detectives, located Rivera at a home in Manchester, police said.

Rivera was taken into custody after attempting to flee and is charged with murder murder, first-degree unlawful restraint, the criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit and the unlawful discharge of a firearm, police said.

His bond was set at $750,000, police said.

Photo Credit: Bridgeport police