Queens Tribune

A young mother of two was killed in front of her children on Tuesday evening in Jamaica, her throat slashed by an estranged boyfriend, police said.

Pedro J. Ayala, 21, allegedly slashed the woman, Veronica Rivera, 32, while her two daughters watched inside his Jamaica home after an argument.

Ayala was arrested and charged with murder after being brought to Queens General Hospital, where he was treated for what appeared to be knife wounds, prosecutors said.

“This brutal and senseless stabbing leaves two young children – ages nine years and seven months – without their mother. This case will be vigorously prosecuted to ensure that justice is served for the victim and her family,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Ayala was charged with second-degree murder, aggravated criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He allegedly slashed Rivera in the neck and repeatedly stabbed her in the face and neck as her children watched, prosecutors said.

The couple had lived together until approximately a week ago, prosecutors said, despite a limited order of protection issued on Feb. 15. Ayala was previously arrested on Jan. 23, for allegedly grabbing Rivera by her shoulders, pulling her hair, throwing her into a wall and then onto the floor, prosecutors said. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

If convicted, Ayala faces up to life in prison.