Woman who said devil made her set a Dorchester house on fire ruled not competent to answer to charges

By adamg on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 9:51pm

Nikia Rivera, 45, will remain committed to a state facility in Worcester after a Dorchester judge ruled she is not competent to face proceedings in the case against her for allegedly trying to burn down a Mora Street three decker, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office reports.

Rivera was charged with arson following the Dec. 27 fire at 74 Mora St. that left two residents with minor injuries.

She will return to Dorchester court on Feb. 14 for an update on her status, the DA's office reports.

Police say Rivera told them that "the devil made me do it" and that there were ghosts in the house.

Innocent etc.

Neighborhoods:

Dorchester

Ad:

Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

Mora Street

By Ellen on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 10:00pm.

I hope she receives the appropriate medical care she needs.

My brother's been in a state facility in Worcester for 5 months

By hydeparkish on Sat, 01/14/2023 - 6:13am.

And I'm guessing it's the same state facility for mental health treatment. Its been a very difficult time for him, he cant go outside except for short 15 minute durations and has been physically restrained many times while hes been there :( Sad to see someone that intentionally sets a fire.

I am truly sorry to hear that

By xyz on Sat, 01/14/2023 - 8:58am.

I am truly sorry to hear that. One way you can judge a society is on how it treats its weakest, most vulnerable members, such as the mentally ill. By those standards, the USA doesn't come away looking so good.

Sorry to hear about your brother

By SwirlyGrrl on Sat, 01/14/2023 - 2:18pm.

The sad thing is that people who are suffering only seem to be able to get help when things get extreme ... and then that "help" is extreme.

I'm hoping that things improve for him and your family soon.

Let's see if Worcester can

By anon on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 4:13pm.

Let's see if Worcester can give her the life changing brain chemistry that will welcome her back to society.