Slain Pittsburgh-Area Mom's Family Needs Money For Kids, Funeral

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — Money is being raised to assist the children of a Rostraver mother who was shot to death on Wednesday night, allegedly by her boyfriend.

A GoFundMe page has been established for the family of Estela, Abigail Rivera, 35, described by Byron Rivera, the person who set up the fundraising attempt, as a "loving, kind and selfless woman who touched the lives of everyone she met."

One of the children called police to tell them that Rivera had been shot. Police found her unresponsive in the basement. She was taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Shell casings and a firearm were found near where Vasquez was located, police said. According to a criminal complaint, the boyfriend, Robert Chaplin told police, "I didn't mean to shoot her," before yelling "I accidentally killed my girlfriend."

Chaplin has been charged with criminal homicide. He faces a preliminary hearing on Feb. 17.

"Sadly, Estela Abigail Rivera left us unexpectedly, leaving behind her beloved children," Byron Rivera wrote.

"During this difficult time, we are coming together to support her family, as they are facing not only the emotional loss but also the financial burden of funeral expenses and the everyday needs
of her children, who are left without their precious mother."