A South Carolina man convicted of second-degree murder has been sentenced after shooting his father‑in‑law in front of his 15‑year‑old stepson—and making the boy dump the body.

A Violent Confrontation Captured in Front of a Minor

July 14, 2025: According to prosecutors, 32-year-old Ruben Pioquinto shot his 33-year-old father‑in‑law, Anderson Guerra Rivera, during a chaotic dispute that unfolded inside Guerra Rivera’s home. The victim’s 15‑year‑old son was present—and the suspect allegedly pointed the weapon at the teen, taunting him:

“Are you afraid of dying?”

After the shooting, Pioquinto forced the frightened teenager to help move the body, dumping it in a secluded area before fleeing the scene.(turn0search0)

Conviction and Consequences

Last November, a jury found Pioquinto guilty of second‑degree murder, rejecting claims of self-defense. In court, prosecutors emphasized that the killing was neither justified nor accidental—but a willful act witnessed by a minor.(turn0search0)

???? Sentencing Wraps Up Tragedy

On July 14, 2025, Pioquinto received a sentence of 35 years in prison, reflecting the severity of committing murder in the presence of—and coercing cooperation from—a minor. Family members of the victim expressed relief the trial is over, but grief over the life lost and the trauma inflicted on the teenager is ongoing.

A Teen’s Harrowing Burden

The 15‑year‑old boy, whose mother was married to the victim, has since been placed under protective custody and is receiving counseling. Authorities stressed the emotional toll he faced—being simultaneously witness and forced accomplice—and noted that long-term support services have been arranged.

Final Take

What began as a personal violent dispute devolved into a crime scene witnessed and handled by a minor. Pioquinto will serve decades behind bars, carrying with him the consequences of his actions—not just for taking a life, but for involving a child in its aftermath. Communities and courts alike reaffirm: violence leaves scars far beyond the physical.