Parents plead guilty in death of 2-year-old found buried in Stamford park
Stamford, CT – Nearly three years after 2-year-old Liam Rivera was found buried in a shallow grave at Cummings Park, both of the child’s parents have pleaded guilty to all charges connected to the case following a lengthy investigation by Stamford police.
The Major Crimes Unit began its investigation on January 2, 2023, after the child was discovered. Detectives soon identified major inconsistencies in statements made by the parents, ultimately leading to an arrest warrant for the child’s father, 28-year-old Edgar Ismalej‑Gomez of Belltown Road. Evidence established his involvement in conduct that endangered Liam’s welfare before his death. His charges included cruelty to persons, hindering prosecution, tampering with evidence, risk of injury to a minor, criminal violation of a protective order, and conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence. His bond was set at $1 million.
Investigators also documented longstanding concerns from the Department of Children and Families regarding the child’s mother, Iris Rivera‑Santos, including repeated neglect, failure to secure medical care, and a pattern of maltreatment.
Both parents later faced multiple charges, and in Stamford Superior Court they each entered guilty pleas to every offense brought against them. Rivera‑Santos pleaded guilty to risk of injury to a minor, tampering with evidence, cruelty to persons, conspiracy to tamper with evidence, unlawful removal of a dead body, and false reporting. Ismalej‑Gomez pleaded guilty to risk of injury to a minor, cruelty to persons, tampering with evidence, conspiracy to tamper with evidence, unlawful removal of a dead body, hindering prosecution, violating a protective order, and violating probation.
Both defendants accepted 16-year prison sentences offered through court disposition. Formal sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2026. They have been in custody since early 2023.
Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal injuries remain undetermined, but the multi‑year investigation focused on securing accountability for the abuse, neglect, and actions linked to the case and the attempt to conceal the child’s death. Detectives worked closely with the State’s Attorney’s Office throughout the case.
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Key Points
- Parents of 2-year-old Liam Rivera pleaded guilty to all charges nearly three years after his body was found
- Father and mother face 16-year prison sentences; both have remained in custody since 2023
- Police say investigation focused on documented abuse, neglect, and attempts to hide the child’s death