Irwin
Rivera has been released from police custody after being
charged with attempted murder earlier this year.
The UFC fighter was granted a conditional release after a judge
approved his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Rivera had
been in custody since Jan. 6 on two felony charges of attempted
murder after allegedly stabbing his sisters. Rivera was released on
Tuesday following a Monday hearing.
ESPN Deportes was first to report the results of the case.
According to a sentencing order, Rivera was diagnosed with bipolar
disorder and it was determined that the attack on his sisters was
the first episode of that condition. Dr. Sheila Rapa testified
during the hearing that Rivera is able to function with medication
and that he is not a threat to himself or anyone else. She also had
“no problem” with Rivera continuing his MMA career.
In order for Rivera to remain out of custody or hospital care, he
must remain on medication and under the care of a psychiatrist. For
travel, he must be accompanied by family or friends, including MMA
teammates Gilbert
Burns and Sean
Soriano.
Rivera was arrested after admitting to stabbing his sisters in
January. One was hospitalized with collapsed lungs, while the other
sustained stab wounds to her back, arms, face and hands. At the
time, Rivera claimed he was told to kill his sisters by a “higher
power.” Neither woman suffered lasting damage and both testified on
Rivera’s behalf during the hearing. Rivera’s family also
defended him shortly after the attack.
Rivera competed three times under the UFC banner in 2020. The Titan
FC veteran went 1-2 in the Octagon, most recently dropping a split
verdict to Andre Ewell
at UFC Fight Night 178.