18-year-old recovering at home after stabbed in Wendy's parking lot

Eduardo Rivero says he didn't know teen who attacked him

HIALEAH, Fla. – An 18-year-old high school student who was stabbed after school Wednesday told Local 10 News that he was trying to get his friend to leave a Wendy's restaurant after a fight broke out in the parking lot.

"I feel blessed that I'm alive," Eduardo Rivero said.

Rivero said he is in pain but is at home recovering after he was stabbed in the back by another teen at the fast food restaurant in Hialeah.

"I went to Wendy's to go and eat with my friends, and I saw a whole bunch of people around my other friends," Rivero said.

Rivero said he was trying to get his friend to leave when he saw a group with bats and knives.

Surveillance video shows the fight break out, and several people running. At one point, a teen in a pink sweatshirt ran up to Rivero, stabbing him the lower back before running off.

Police said Yosiris Fernandez, 17, turned himself in and faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

"He didn't even know the kid," Rivero's mother, Anna Morales, said. "He didn't have nothing to do with him. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Rivero was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

"The doctor said I got lucky that he didn't hit any artery," Rivero said.

Rivero received 16 stitches to close the large wound.

He and his mom said they both are just thankful that Rivero is going to be OK.

"Your kids are not safe nowhere," Morales said. "You know, this has to stop."

Yosiris waived his appearance Thursday afternoon, but his father appeared on his behalf before Judge Angelica Zayas. 

Yosiris will remain in Miami-Dade County's juvenile detention center until at least his next hearing in 21 days when the state is expected to announce whether the case will be moved to adult court.


About the Authors:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."