Parents, defense team react to guilty plea in connection to 2024 death of Jacob Baldwin

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The man accused of killing 27-year-old Jacob Baldwin in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition pleaded guilty in court on Monday.

On Monday, October 20, Nico Rivera appeared in Richmond Circuit Court. He was originally charged with second degree murder after a verbal altercation with Baldwin in Scott’s Addition in October 2024.

During the altercation, Rivera punched Baldwin, knocking him onto the ground and causing the back of his head to hit the pavement. Baldwin died at the hospital days later.

Rivera pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter as part of a judge-approved plea agreement that would reduce his sentence.

“This decision was our client’s, and I think it demonstrates his remorse and how terrible he feels,” said Emilee Hasbrouck, Rivera’s defense attorney.

“Mr. Rivera certainly wanted to demonstrate that he is a person who understands the seriousness of what's happened here, takes that very seriously, and is willing to take responsibility for that,” said Doug Ramseur, Rivera’s defense attorney.

While Rivera’s defense team seemed satisfied, Baldwin’s parents said they were surprised with how the decision unfolded.

Jeff Baldwin, Jacob’s father, believed the charges of second-degree murder fit the crime saying Rivera "acted with malice and reckless behavior that resulted in Jacob’s death."

“We just think that there should be consequences for people's actions,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin also said he nor his wife were privy to discussions had by their prosecution team and the defense regarding the plea agreement decision.

“We were not necessarily happy with that and weren't happy that they sort of rolled it out there and then let us know that it was already done,” Baldwin said.

Renee Baldwin, Jacob’s mother, said they’ll continue to honor their son despite the ruling.  

“You can't sleep, it's hard to eat. It's just the whole thing. It's not fair. It's not fair to Jacob. It's not fair to his family. It's not fair to his friends," she said.

“I don't think this changes anything for us. Our son is still not here, he's not coming back,” said Baldwin’s father.

Rivera will face up to 10 years in jail for involuntary manslaughter instead of up to 40 years for second degree murder. His sentencing hearing is set for March 23, 2026.