Grand Island man to face charges for baby’s death 5 years ago

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A Grand Island man accused of killing a baby five years ago is now back in Nebraska after he fled to Guatemala.

Grand Island police arrested Ryan Rivera-Meister, 26, Wednesday afternoon at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport after federal officials handed him over.

He’s in the Hall County Detention Center on $2 million bond. A probable cause hearing for his crime is scheduled April 12.

Rivera-Meister is wanted for the August 2016 death of 16-month-old Xavier Ruiz-Alvarado.

Court records filed at the time of the baby’s death indicated that he had brain and stomach injuries consistent with the use of blunt force. Police records indicate the baby suffered the injuries while in Rivera-Meister’s care.

Grand Island Police Captain Jim Duering said “we’re happy to get the case back on track and push it through the justice system.”

He added it was quite an accomplishment by local, state, federal and international agencies which took part.

Rivera is charged with felony intentional child abuse resulting in death.

The max penalty for a conviction on that crime is life in prison.

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