A Providence man has been sentenced to life, plus an additional 20 years, for the murder of 20-year-old Leonardo Tavares.
On September 9, 2024, Superior Court Justice Maureen B. Keough handed the sentence to Jahcolin Rodrigues, 23.
Jahcolin Rodrigues pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on August 15, 2024,
He also admitted to discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
The shooting took place in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on May 15, 2021
On that day, Rodrigues, driving a Subaru Impreza, spotted Tavares in his Nissan Rogue.
After circling the block, Rodrigues fired multiple shots into Tavares' vehicle, fatally wounding him.
Witnesses, along with video surveillance footage, helped investigators from the Pawtucket Police identify Rodrigues as the shooter.
The investigation revealed that Rodrigues had an ongoing dispute with members of the Bucket West street gang and believed Tavares was affiliated with them.
"Gun violence continues to be a harsh reality in our state, impacting lives in devastating ways," said Attorney General Neronha.
"In this case, justice has been served.
The defendant will no longer pose a threat to the community, and I want to extend my thanks to the Pawtucket Police for their dedication to this case and many others."
Had the case gone to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on May 15, 2021, Rodrigues shot and killed Tavares on Randall Street in Pawtucket.
“I want to commend Detective Barrett and Sergeant Gould for their dedication to this case,” said Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
"Our department remains committed to working alongside the Attorney General’s Office to combat gun violence and bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice."
Comments
Post a Comment