Hard Crime: Rhode Island’s Most Wanted List
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The arrest of notorious Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger this week made headlines all over the world. Bulger, who is accused of at least 19 murders, had been in hiding for almost two decades before the FBI tracked him down in sunny Santa Monica, California.
The key to tracking down one of the most elusive criminals in history? Commercials on daytime television. Yes, that’s what did Whitey Bulger in.
So what does Rhode Island’s most wanted list look like and can technology bring them down the same way it brought down the man who ran Boston for decades? Let’s hope so. Below is a list that of the state’s most wanted fugitives along with their pictures, according to the Rhode Island State Police website.
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Ronald Fisher
Ramon Virola
This 33 year old’s last known is address is in Providence, but the man wanted on a host of charges (including murder and drug charges) has not been seen in years. He’s little (5’2, 140lbs) and was born in Puerto Rico.
Kolawole Azeez
Born in Nigeria, this former Providence native is wanted for a double shooting that took place in 1995, when Azeez was just 18 years old. At 5’7, 150lbs, he’s not a big man either.
John Laires
A former security guard, Laires is wanted for rape and intent to murder dating back to 1987. He is originally from Portugal and is known to be trained in firearms. His last known address was in Cumberland, but that may have been two decades ago.
John Jairo Escobar
Last known location was Chalkstone Ave in Providence. This criminal is wanted for possessing over a kilogram of cocaine. Escobar is 61 years old.
Juan Carlos Martinez
Martinez has been on the run almost as long as Whitey Bulger. He is wanted for a 1994 Providence murder at a nightclub downtown. The 43 year old is 6’ and weighs 180 lbs.
Mauro Morales
Fled the scene after hitting someone with his car in 1996. Last known address was Hanover Street in Providence. He has at least two aliases and is 39 years old. Morales was in his early 20’s when he committed this heinous crime.
Julio Merida
Another Providence guy, Merida has been on the run for more than two decades. He is wanted for two murders that were committed in 1987. The 51 year old’s last known address was Elmwood Ave, but that was over 20 years ago.
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