Providence Suffers 8th Homicide of the Year - 3 in One Week

Providence Suffers 8th Homicide of the Year - 3 in One Week

Providence Police announced late on Friday afternoon the 8th homicide of the year.

The incident took place nearly two weeks ago, but the victim has succumbed to injuries.

According to police, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, Providence Police were dispatched to Cliff Street for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, police were advised that the victim, later identified as Ricky Saunders, age 47, was assaulted by Dwayne Gibson, age 51. Police learned that Saunders and Gibson were involved in a verbal dispute that occurred outside, in the street. During the dispute, Gibson punched Saunders in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. Gibson fled on foot prior to police arrival and Saunders was transported to RIH for treatment.”

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A week later, on August 31, police claim, “Detectives were contacted by the Medical Examiner’s office in regards to the death of Ricky Saunders, who had been being treated at RI Hospital since 8/24/24 for the head injury that he suffered from the assault. The Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy on Tuesday, and the cause of death has officially been ruled as a homicide. As a result, Dwayne Gibson was apprehended and charged by Providence Police for Murder and held without bail at the ACI.”

It was the third murder that week as 18-year-old Darmani Balbuena Mesquin was shot and killed on his birthday in his driveway on August 25.

Then, a 7-year-old was shot on August 29.  She died four days later.