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July 17, 2007

Probation-violation hearing set for dual murder suspect

PROVIDENCE -- The probation violation hearing for a man charged in connection with the double homicide of two women found inside a Providence apartment after a fire has been scheduled for Aug. 1, according to attorney general's spokeswoman Beryl Kenyon.

Raymond Clements, 23, is facing murder and first-degree arson charges in connection with the June 14 slaying of Heather Jesus, 20, of 375 Plainfield St., Providence, and her 17-year-old cousin, Amanda Sousa, at Jesus' Silver Lake apartment.

Clements received a court-appointed lawyer today, Chris Millea, ahead of the hearing.

Kenyon said the Attorney General's Office will pursue the probation violation based on a first-degree robbery charge. That charge is for an incident authorities say Clements committed some 11 hours before he is accused of commiting the murders and arson.

Authorities have said Clements had two prior convictions.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Clements is one of two men arrested for allegedly committing the slayings. Anthony J. Carter, 22, of Pawtucket was arrested in Polk County, Fla., last month and faces robbery charges in Florida.

Dr. Thomas Gilson, Rhode Island chief state medical examiner, said Jesus died of "sharp-force injuries and asphyxia due to neck and chest compression," and that Sousa died of "multiple blunt-impact and sharp-force injuries."

Police Maj. Stephen Campbell has said the fire was set deliberately to destroy evidence, and that the blaze began in the living room, where the bodies were found. Both victims were attacked before the fire, he has said.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:53 PM | Permalink

July 17, 2007

Probation-violation hearing set for dual murder suspect

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