Central Falls, Rhode Island, is reeling from a recent shooting that has left a 14-year-old girl dead. The teenage girl, who has not been named, was found critically injured after being shot yesterday in a residence on Earle Street. She was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital but succumbed to her injuries, according to WJAR.
An 18-year-old male suspect, Moises Maldonado, also from Central Falls, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, along with other firearms-related charges. His arrest occurred around half past 3 p.m. yesterday at his residence. Police believe Maldonado and the victim knew each other and have stated that the girl was at a friend's home at the time of the shooting. Central Falls officials held a news conference at 12:30 p.m. today to discuss the incident.
The community is expressing their profound grief and outrage over the tragic incident. Former Mayor of Central Falls and current Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa said, "I’m heartbroken— I’m devastated. You know there’s no reason for these incidents to happen and it’s why I’m so passionate about fighting at the state house on gun issues because of incidents like these," in a statement obtained by WJAR.
Mayor Maria Rivera also expressed her devastation, posting on social media that she was heartbroken by the news. "My heart aches for her and her family as they face this unimaginable pain, and I am praying with all my heart for her recovery," Rivera wrote in a statement on Facebook. She reiterated a commitment to make city streets safer and to prevent senseless acts of violence but acknowledged that much work still needs to be done. A criminal investigation into the fatal shooting is underway, and witnesses are encouraged to reach out to the Central Falls Police Department with any information, as reported by NBC Boston.
As a city mourns a life cut tragically short and grapples with the brutal reality of gun violence, officials and citizens alike are looking for ways to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragedies and to stop them from occurring in the future. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to call the Central Falls Police Department at 401-727-7411.
