Christopher Riviere killed by long-range sniper

A long-range sniper bullet fatally pierced the chest of a 21-year-old Cooper City Marine in Iraq on Tuesday, the man's relatives said.

The gunfire hit Pfc. Christopher Riviere while he was providing security in Al Anbar province, military officials announced.

"He had no chance to take out his weapon and defend himself," said Connie Pie, Riviere's aunt. "He got shot by a madman. No, even worse -- a coward."

He died after being transported to a military hospital in Kuwait, family members said.

Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Binford Strickland called the incident "random," saying that even when military personnel are in areas considered low risk, they can be attacked.

Riviere had served in Iraq for just nine days.

At least 30 service members from South Florida have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2002. This month alone, three South Floridans have fallen in Iraq.

Riviere, known as "Kiki" to his family, belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Expeditionary Force, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Nicknamed the "Island Warriors," the group was sent to replace another battalion that suffered two casualties on its way out of the province, Strickland said.

Riviere's death was the first casualty in Iraq for the Island Warriors, Strickland said.

Friends and neighbors in Cooper City knew the Marine as a good-natured, responsible young man who viewed military service as an honorable way to better his life.

He signed up for the Marine Corps about a year ago. Since then, he received the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He also earned a Purple Heart.

The Marine Corps is helping Riviere's family plan his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Pie said. A memorial service will be held for family and friends in South Florida, but no details will be made public, she said.

Riviere is survived by his mother and stepfather, Margaret and James Lomba, and two younger sisters.

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