2 Worcester Brothers Killed In Shootings 1 Year Apart

WORCESTER, MA — In a tragic coincidence, a Worcester man killed this week in Allentown, Penn., was the second man in his family shot to death over the last 15 months. Yaret Rivera, 22, was shot during a robbery outside a bar on Wednesday — police say the robbers were after a necklace he was wearing.

In July 2018, Rivera's brother, Jovannexen "Jampy" Rivera, 23, was shot and killed along Sturgis Street in Worcester. A man walked up to Rivera and others and opened fire. He left behind a 2-year-old daughter.

"We have not had time to grieve in peace Jampy’s death, now we have to grieve losing Yaret due to the same issue. It’s only been 1 year and 3 months since his brother passed and now unfortunately we have to go through the same process with him," said Thais Pagan, who has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for Yaret Rivera's funeral costs.

According to Allentown police, Yaret Rivera, 22, was found shot in the parking lot of the Chicago Sports Bar and Grille at around 1 a.m. Wednesday. He was later pronounced dead at an Allentown hospital.

Later in the day Wednesday, Allentown police arrested Walter Martinez, 26, on charges of criminal homicide, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Police also arrested Anthony Thomas, 24, of Allentown, on a charge of hindering an investigation.

According to the Allentown Morning Call, Martinez was arrested after a standoff in Lower Milford Township.

The Lehigh County District Attorney said that Rivera was being robbed of a chain while leaving the club. Authorities believe Rivera had another accomplice in the killing and robbery, but have not identified that person.

Allentown is located in eastern Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia.