SALEM, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man has been charged with rape and murder in the death of his 11-year-old grandniece.
An Essex County grand jury indicted 58-year-old Miguel Rivera on five counts Wednesday in connection with the death of the girl at his Lawrence apartment in December.
The Eagle-Tribune reports that police say the Haverhill girl fell ill and later died after visiting Rivera’s apartment.
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Authorities say an autopsy of the girl’s body confirmed the presence of a sleeping medication, sperm cells and the deadly manmade opioid fentanyl.
Rivera is currently being held without bail and now faces arraignment in Salem Superior Court at a future date.
Rivera’s court-appointed attorney says he denies all charges.
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