Nick Rivas Identified as Gunman in Fetzner Square Townhomes Murder-Suicide That Left Son Axel Hernandez Dead, Mother Says

Nick Rivas has been identified by the child’s mother as the gunman responsible for the fatal shooting of his own biological son, Axel Hernandez, in an apparent murder-suicide at the Fetzner Square Townhomes in Greece, New York, on Jan. 26, 2026.

According to the mother’s public statement, Rivas used a firearm to kill the child before taking his own life. She said authorities have not publicly named him, but she chose to identify him herself in an effort to seek justice for her son and raise awareness about what she described as warning signs leading up to the tragedy.

She stated that she and Rivas had separated in April 2025 and had been living apart since then. Days before the incident, Rivas allegedly received notice of an upcoming court date regarding child support. Afterward, she said he sent her a series of messages she interpreted as threatening, including statements such as “biggest mistake of your life” and “you messed up.” Concerned for her safety, she said she contacted police to document the messages but was told they did not constitute a criminal threat.

On the night of Jan. 26, she reported that Rivas sent a final message referencing a Bible verse about death and suffering ending, which alarmed her. She said she immediately called 911 requesting a welfare check.

According to her account, Rivas remained inside his residence with the child, and when authorities responded, they allegedly did not force entry. She claims family and friends ultimately entered the home and discovered the scene.

In her statement, she criticized both law enforcement and the court system, saying she believes earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy. She described her son’s death as a devastating loss and said she is speaking out in hopes of preventing similar incidents and advocating for stronger protections for parents and children in high-conflict domestic situations.

The incident remains under official investigation.