Man Charged With First-Degree Murder in Hallandale Beach Machete Stabbing

A 27-year-old Hallandale Beach resident has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of his roommate with a machete at a mobile home park on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Sea Esta Lane within the Sea Esta Mobile Home Park, authorities said.

Surveillance footage obtained by police shows suspect Edy Rivas Rizo pursuing his roommate through the park before striking him in the armpit area and grappling with him on the ground. Two bystanders intervened and managed to wrestle the machete from Rivas’ grasp, according to law enforcement officials.

The victim walked approximately 15 yards before collapsing, with one witness reporting that he heard the dying man say, “That guy just killed me,” while gesturing toward Rivas. Emergency responders transported the victim to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Rivas’ residence and discovered substantial blood evidence throughout the home. Officers also recovered the machete wedged between two doors in a storage area of the property.

Initially, Rivas claimed the victim attacked him while he sat outside drinking beer and that he retrieved the machete in self-defense. He also alleged the victim “accidentally fell on the blade” during their struggle and denied pursuing him, according to the arrest report.

However, after police presented the surveillance video, Rivas acknowledged chasing the victim but stated his intention was to strike him with the blade’s flat side rather than its sharp edge. Rivas remains held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail as of Monday morning.