« Photo: Relaxing along the Providence River | Today | Pressler, Bryant coach, wins right to sue Duke spokesman »

April 16, 2008

Duffy, 32, gets 28 years at ACI for Pawtucket murder

PROVIDENCE -- A Norton, Mass., man pleaded no contest this afternoon to one count of second-degree murder in the stabbing of Ronald Leone Jr. in Pawtucket in 2006.

John Duffy, 32, of 3 Sailor Lane, was sentenced by Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer to 50 years -- with 28 of them to be served at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, and 22 years suspended with probation.

In consideration of his plea in Providence County Superior Court, the state changed the charge from first-degree murder to second-degree murder. Members of the victim’s family were present today, and addressed the court, the Attorney General's office said.

If the case had gone to trial, prosecutors Molly Cote and Jay Sullivan were prepared to offer evidence showing that after a brief encounter in the early morning of Oct. 13, 2006, Duffy stabbed Leone twice, causing his death.

“I thank everyone involved in ensuring that this criminal is prevented from threatening the safety of our communities, and from creating more sorrow and heartbreak, such as that experienced by the Leone family,” said Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch.

Duffy has been held without bail at the ACI since his 2006 arrest.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 5:55 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)