A San Antonio woman and her former partner face felony charges after authorities say they conspired to lure and stab the woman’s ex-boyfriend during a scheduled child custody exchange outside a local YMCA.
Abel Ali Rivas, 27, was arrested this week and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the February 19 attack on Oscar Javier Barbosa, 32. His arrest follows the prior charging of Melanie Sierra Gomez, 31, who allegedly orchestrated the violent encounter.
The Alleged Setup
According to an affidavit obtained from Bexar County records, the incident unfolded at approximately 6:30 p.m. at a San Antonio YMCA. Barbosa arrived at the location to pick up the two children he shares with Gomez.
Investigators report that Gomez contacted Barbosa via phone, initially instructing him to enter the building before telling him to return outside. Upon his exit, Barbosa was confronted by Rivas—who is also an ex-boyfriend of Gomez.
The affidavit details a chilling sequence of events:
- The Confrontation: Gomez allegedly accused Barbosa of getting his current girlfriend pregnant.
- The Command: Gomez reportedly told Rivas to “go” and “do what you are going to do.”
- The Restraint: As Rivas began the assault, police allege Gomez pinned Barbosa against a vehicle to prevent his escape.
A Narrow Escape
Barbosa was on the phone with his current girlfriend during the onset of the altercation. The girlfriend—who had previously been in a long-term relationship with Rivas—told investigators she heard Barbosa ask, “Are you going to stab me over this?” before the call disconnected.
Rivas allegedly stabbed Barbosa multiple times in the abdomen and arms. Despite the severity of the wounds, the injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. Following the stabbing, Rivas reportedly fled the scene in Barbosa’s vehicle, which had been left running. Gomez allegedly remained briefly to shout insults at Barbosa’s girlfriend over the phone before leaving.
Legal Proceedings and Status
Barbosa identified both attackers while receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Gomez was apprehended shortly after the incident and has since been released from the Bexar County Jail after posting an $85,000 bond. Rivas remains in custody with a total bond set at $105,000, facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors build the case for a grand jury indictment.
