Wilmarie Rivera Death and Obituary – The Buffalo community is reeling from the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Wilmarie Rivera, 35, whose life was taken in a fatal stabbing on Saturday afternoon in downtown Buffalo. Her sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and neighbors, leaving a community searching for answers while mourning a woman remembered for her deep love, kindness, and devotion to family.
Officers with the Buffalo Police Department were dispatched to the Pine Harbor Apartment Complex on Seventh Street after reports of a stabbing. When they arrived, Wilmarie was found suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders rushed her to Erie County Medical Center, where despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. The devastating news of her passing quickly spread, drawing grief and heartbreak from those who knew her.
For Wilmarie’s family, especially her daughter, the pain is overwhelming. In emotional statements following the tragedy, her daughter described Wilmarie as a loving, caring mother and grandmother whose life centered on her children and grandson. She was known as a constant source of encouragement, stability, and unconditional love — the kind of mother who promised to always be there.
“She said she was always going to be there for me,” her daughter shared through tears. “It just hurts. I know she’ll always be with me, but I wish she was here.”
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal incident, troubling details have emerged. Wilmarie’s daughter revealed that the warning signs were present long before police arrived. She stated that the man now charged in her mother’s death had previously made threats toward Wilmarie, suggesting that danger had been looming. “It was honestly expected,” she said, expressing frustration that the threats had been voiced prior to the tragedy.
Police have arrested 36-year-old Dominic Melendez, charging him with second-degree murder in connection with Wilmarie’s death. Authorities indicate the case is being investigated as a possible domestic incident. Court records reveal that Melendez was already facing prior legal issues, including pending drug charges, criminal contempt allegations, and reported violations of a protection order in a separate case. These revelations have sparked renewed conversations in the community about domestic violence prevention and the importance of recognizing warning signs before tragedy strikes.
As the legal process moves forward, Wilmarie’s loved ones are focusing on honoring the life she lived rather than the manner in which it ended. She was more than a victim of a violent crime — she was a mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend whose warmth and devotion left an unforgettable imprint on those around her.
Her passing serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and support for those at risk.
Wilmarie Rivera will be remembered not for the tragedy that claimed her life, but for the love she gave so freely, the strength she showed daily, and the family she cherished above all else. She leaves behind daughters, a beloved grandson, and countless loved ones whose lives will forever carry her memory.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.