Man convicted of deadly attack on sleeping kids

A New Jersey man has been convicted of killing a 6-year-old boy who was trying to protect his sister from a sexual assault.

Osvaldo Rivera, of Camden, was found guilty Friday of felony murder. He faces life in prison when he’s sentenced Oct. 23.

Camden County authorities say the 33-year-old Rivera broke into the children’s home in September 2012 while they were asleep and their mother was in the hospital. They say Rivera was trying to assault a 12-year-old girl when her little brother intervened to protect her.

Authorities say Rivera slashed the children’s throats. The girl ran to a neighbor’s house for help.

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Two other girls, ages 9 and 14, were inside the home but weren’t injured.

Police said Rivera had been smoking “wet,” or marijuana laced with PCP.

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