SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man is scheduled to face trial tomorrow for stabbing and murdering a concert attendee during a live performance in downtown Santa Ana. Juan Angel Rivera, 23, Santa Ana, was charged on March 8, 2016, with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a knife. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, April, 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On the evening of March 3, 2016, Rivera is accused of attending a performance at Underground DTSA in Santa Ana where a band was performing. At approximately 10:30 p.m. during the concert, the defendant is accused of getting into a confrontation with 23-year-old Nathan Alfaro. During the confrontation, Rivera is accused of pulling out a knife and stabbing Alfaro multiple times in the torso. Rivera is accused of leaving the venue with several other people. The victim was transported to University of California, Irvine Medical Center where he died as a result of the multiple stab wounds.

At approximately 10:40 a.m. the next morning, Rivera was arrested by the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) as he was leaving his home. SAPD investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Keith Burke of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 16CF0605 / April 4, 2017