POWERBALL winner Edwin Castro’s rival – who alleged he cashed in a stolen ticket – launched into a blistering rant after leaving court on Thursday as a judge dismissed his case.

Los Angeles gardener Jose Rivera first filed his bizarre claim more than a year ago and went through multiple lawyers before eventually representing himself.

Edwin Castro has stayed silent throughout the long legal battle and never appeared in court in Alhambra, CaliforniaCredit: The U.S. Sun

Jose Rivera, pictured above Thursday, was furious after he left court and refused to believe the case was overCredit: The U.S. Sun

Leaving court, a furious Rivera blasted, “What do you mean it’s over? I’m not going to stay quiet. I’m p****ed. He’s going to pay for it. He’s a f***ing liar. I’m not done with this. I’m very f***ing angry.”

He appeared to be confused as he showed The U.S. Sun photographs on his cell phone of a man from TikTok claiming he was “the real Edwin Castro” and started pulling out court files from his bag.

In a stunning turn of events, it was also revealed a second person is now suing Castro and Rivera claiming they are the rightful owner of the ticket, a case Rivera claims to know nothing about.

Rivera alleged he regularly picked the same numbers and bought the winning ticket which netted Castro more than $600 million after taxes in November 2022.

The U.S. Sun covered the case for over a year, which took many twists and turns, as the California Lottery raised suspicion when they refused to release surveillance footage of Castro buying the ticket.

However, officials always insisted that the 32-year-old was the legitimate winner and said that they had a rigorous vetting procedure in place.

Rivera failed to show any proof that he regularly picked the same numbers that resulted in the jackpot win and often made wild accusations.

He also told The U.S. Sun he signed the back of the lottery ticket before we published exclusive images of Castro’s unsigned slip earlier this year.

MISSED DEADLINE

On Thursday morning, Rivera was told by Judge William Crowfoot he had missed a deadline to respond to a demurrer filed by Castro’s team months ago.

A demurrer is a written statement or plea that challenges the sufficiency or clarity of another party’s legal complaint. If upheld by a judge, it could mean the case is dismissed.

Rivera filed court papers himself days after the August 16 deadline, but Crowfoot said they made little sense and that he had just repeated his original claims.

He alleged that his former landlord, Urachi “Reggie” Romero, stole his lottery ticket before it ended up in Castro’s hands.

Romero was also a defendant in the civil case but failed to respond or hire a lawyer.

He told The U.S. Sun he believed Rivera did choose the winning numbers but had no idea what happened to his ticket and did not know Castro.

Becoming frustrated with the proceedings this week, Rivera interrupted Judge Crowfoot, who told him to “stop” on more than one occasion but took pity on him as it was clear he was confused.

Crowfoot explained he wasn’t saying Rivera didn’t have a valid claim, but he failed to file the correct documents throughout the case.

The judge upheld an earlier tentative ruling: “Plaintiff notably does not allege that Castro was ever in possession of the ticket purchased by Plaintiff.

“Instead, Plaintiff alleges that Romero ‘asserted stories of how the ‘lost’ winning ticket found its way to [Defendant].’

JUDGE’S RULING

“Therefore, there does not appear to be a controversy between Defendant and Plaintiff regarding the ownership of Plaintiff’s ticket.

“Furthermore, no ‘actual controversy’ exists between Defendant and Plaintiff as to the lottery winnings because a bettor’s right to a share of the winnings ‘accrues solely from possession of a winning ticket, not from the mere purchase of a ticket.'”

Crowfoot said on Thursday that the only remaining issue in the case would be for him to file any declaratory relief action, which is to obtain clarity on a legal issue before any harm or damage has occurred.

Rivera replied, “I’m going to work on it tomorrow, right away.”

Crowfoot advised him to hire a lawyer, but he has admitted he cannot afford one.

Castro’s attorney, Michael Freedman, appeared via video during the hearing and agreed Rivera had had more than enough time to respond to the demurrer.

The judge also revealed there is yet another person who has come forward claiming to be the rightful owner of the ticket, Brandy Milliner, who has filed a separate suit.

The U.S. Sun was approached by a random woman after the hearing who was handing out leaflets showing the case number and laughed when asked if she was wasting court time.

Rivera said he is paying no attention to the latest suit, which he called “dumb,” as he now needs to focus on his criminal case.

He has been charged with filing a false police complaint in Pasadena, with authorities claiming he wasted police time and resources.

Rivera is set to appear in court again in the coming weeks after pleading not guilty and hiring a new defense lawyer.

Edwin Castro’s Powerball ticket featured greasy fingerprints from the former mechanicCredit: Edwin Castro

If convicted, he may serve up to six months in jail or pay a fine of up to $1,000.00.

Commenting on his criminal case on Thursday, he said, “I bought a ticket to go to jail, that f***ing sucks.”

Asked if he still buys lottery tickets while out of work, he admitted, “Unfortunately, yes. I’m still playing the lottery.”

Joe Chahayed, the owner of Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, where the ticket was originally bought, has declined to comment on the case in recent months.

However, he previously told The U.S. Sun he remembered Castro buying his ticket.

Castro’s team refused to comment on Rivera or the second person claiming to be the real winner.

The lawsuit has been nothing but a headache for the sports car enthusiast, who has been trying to navigate his new life as a high-profile person.

He has stayed silent throughout the case and has only ever made one comment about his win.

After dipping out of the press conference, he said in a statement, “I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing. As someone who received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it’s gratifying to hear that as a result of my win, the school system greatly benefits as well.”

Despite the legal drama, he’s still been able to enjoy his winnings, splashing out hundreds of thousands on luxury vintage motors and lavish properties in Los Angeles.

Castro was recently seen out and about on a hike with family looking upbeatCredit: The U.S. Sun

Jose Rivera told The U.S. Sun on Thursday he would return to the police station, despite being charged with filing a false complaintCredit: The U.S. Sun