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June 26, 2008

Tonight: Author tells of pictorial journey in South County

South County has plenty of picturesque places. Tonight you can hear from an author who's captured some of them in a book.

Eric Wertheimer will present and talk about his new book, Only in South County: A Pictorial Journey, from 7 to 9 tonight at Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown.

For information, call (401) 789-1555.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:54 PM | Comment

Update: Suspect sought in Pawtucket fatal shooting

A gunshot wound to the head caused the death of a 26-year-old Pawtucket woman found dead at 14 Reservoir Ave., Pawtucket, last night, and a suspect is being sought.

The woman was identified as Mayra Cruz in a news release from the state Office of Medical Examiners this afternoon giving the cause of death. She was one of three people shot to death in three Rhode Island cities last night.

Pawtucket police are looking for Juan Diaz, 24, who is being sought on a charge of murder, according to Detective Sgt. Cory Jackson, the case's lead detective. He said Diaz may have left the state.

A gun has not been recovered, the police said, and Diaz should be considered armed and dangerous. Police described Diaz as white, with brown hair, 6 feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds, unshaven, and not wearing glasses. Diaz "was known to the victim," police said.

The police asked that any information be forwarded to the Pawtucket police criminal investigative division at 727-9100: Detective Michael Kane at ext. 759 or Detective Sgt. Jackson at ext. 722. If there is no answer, the police said to call 727-9100, ext. 712.

Jackson said police are proceeding on the theory that the shooting was a murder, although the police dispatch log indicates a 9-1-1 call from a distressed male at the site of the shooting -- 14 Reservoir Ave. -- that came in at 9:56 last night.

The caller reported he had accidentally shot his girlfriend in the face about two hours earlier during a struggle over a gun.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports

Earlier today, building owner Jacinta Fernandes said that about 9:50 last night, while at a baseball game with her son, she got a call from neighbors telling her she might want to come home, because there were police cars all over the place.

When she returned to her house, Fernandes said, the body was in the basement apartment and she wasn’t allowed in.

Fernandes said the man who lived there had been staying in the basement apartment since the end of March. Jackson confirmed later today that Diaz, the suspect the police are looking for, lived in the basement apartment Fernandes had referred to.

When the police arrived at the address, they found a woman with a gunshot wound to the head. She was declared dead at the scene, according to Jackson.

The police were told that a possible armed suspect was inside the house; the building was secured by the Pawtucket Police Special Response Team. No one else was found in the house, according to Jackson’s statement.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:43 PM | Comment

Reporter's query: Are you a cash-strapped student?

Are you a cash-strapped student at Rhode Island College or the Community College of Rhode Island who can barely make ends meet and are worried about how you will cover all your college bills this fall?

Contact education reporter Jennifer D. Jordan with your story: e-mail her at jjordan@projo.com or call (401) 277-7254

Posted by maria caporizzo at 5:26 PM | Comment

Update: Special master to oversee Landmark operations

PROVIDENCE -- Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein approved a petition today from the Landmark Medical Center and appointed an attorney as temporary special master to oversee the financially troubled hospital's operations and consider a potential merger or sale.

Jonathan N. Savage, with the firm Shechtman, Halperin and Savage of Pawtucket, will assume control of the hospital's assets and day to day operations. He also will "seek and evaluate potential acquisitions, partnerships and other financial solutions," said Richard Charest, president of Landmark.

Charest said, "Although the hospital is in a negative net asset position, based upon current operations, Landmark has sufficient cash on hand to continue operations through the first quarter of 2009."

He said, "Landmark will continue to deliver high quality health care to the residents of northern Rhode Island."

Savage's appointment is temporary, and the court will reconvene in 21 days to decide if the special master shall be a permanent designation.

In statements late this afternoon, Governor Carcieri and Health Department Director David Gifford said they supported the appointment of a special master. Attorngey General Patrick C. Lynch said he appreciated the judge's "quick intercession to try to preserve Landmark as a community asset."

The chief executive officer of Landmark petitioned the court earlier today to have a special master to take charge of the financial affairs of the Woonsocket hospital.


-- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi and Journal archival reports

In the petition, Gary Gaube, chief executive officer and trustee of Landmark, cited the facility's providing of more than $8.5 million annually in uncompensated care to the uninsured and the underinsured.

In addition to threatening a facility that is the third busiest emergency room in the state, the brief filing asserts, at risk are about 1,100 jobs at Landmark.

The medical center made a plea in the late innings of the recently-ended General Assembly session for relief from a merger-approval procedure so it could more quickly merge with the financially stronger Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket -- before Landmark is forced to shut down. However, time ran out in that legislative proposal, The Journal reported.

Before the session ended, lawmakers asked questions of Landmark executives about how the finances turned so dire.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment

Gunshot wound to torso killed Woonsocket youth, 17

A gunshot wound to the torso with injuries to aorta and liver caused the death of a 17-year-old Woonsocket male last night -- one of three victims of fatal shootings in three Rhode Island cities overnight.

The male was identified as Brandon Smith in a news release from the state Office of Medical Examiners this afternoon.

At about 10 last night, the police went to 45 Robinson St. in Woonsocket. A 17-year-old male had been shot and was taken to Landmark Meidcal Center, where he was pronounced dead, Chief Eric Croce said earlier today.

Croce said police have not ruled out drugs as a motive for the shooting; no arrests have been made, and police have no suspects.

This afternoon, Jason Horne, who said he lived in the first floor of the two-apartment house at 45 Robinson St., told a reporter that the teen had moved into the second floor apartment about six months ago to help the woman who lived there.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:52 PM | Comment

Update: Police probe fatal shootings in 3 R.I. cities

shooting_houses_405.jpg
Journal photos / Sandor Bodo, left and center; Bob Thayer, right
Victims of the separate shootings were found near these homes, from left, 45 Robinson St., Woonsocket; 14 Reservoir Ave., Pawtucket; and 124 Eastwood Ave., Providence.

In a spate of violence touching three Rhode Island cities within hours late last night, the police in Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket are investigating three fatal shootings.

It all happened in a little more than two hours, leaving dead two 17-year-old males -- one in Providence and one in Woonsocket -- and a woman in Pawtucket.

At about 9:45 p.m., a report of a shooting came into the Pawtucket Police Department, according to a statement from Sgt. Cory Jackson.

When the police arrived at 14 Reservoir Ave., they found a woman with a gunshot wound to the head. She was declared dead at the scene, according to Jackson.

The police were told that a possible armed suspect was inside the house; the building was secured by the Pawtucket Police Special Response Team. No one else was found in the house, according to Jackson’s statement.

The shooting is being considered suspicious. The police have not released the name of the victim.

The victim was a frequent visitor and had been introduced as the girlfriend of the man who lived there, the owner of the building said today.

Building owner Jacinta Fernandes said that about 9:50 last night, while at a baseball game with her son, she got a call from neighbors telling her she might want to come home, because there were police cars all over the place.

When she returned to her house, Fernandes said, the body was in the basement apartment and she wasn’t allowed in.

Fernandes said the man who lived there had been staying in the basement apartment since the end of March.

At about 10 p.m. last night, the police went to 45 Robinson Street in Woonsocket. A 17-year-old male had been shot and was taken to Landmark Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Chief Eric Croce.

Croce said police have not ruled out drugs as a motive for the shooting; no arrests have been made and police have no suspects.

This afternoon, Jason Horne, who said he lived in the first floor of the two-apartment house at 45 Robinson St., told a reporter that the teen had moved into the second floor apartment about six months ago to help the woman who lived there.

The woman refused to talk to a Journal reporter at the scene. No yellow crime scene tape was at the house, a two-story with wraparound porch, tan with burgundy shutters, and well kept. Police had also left the scene.

Just before midnight last night, the Providence police were alerted to an injured man at 124 Eastwood Ave., according to a statement released by Capt. Hugh Clements. When officers arrived, they found a “young man” with a gunshot wound in the street.

The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and pronounced dead soon after his arrival, according to Clements.

Police identified him this afternoon as Virgilio Rojo, 17, of 470 Manton Ave., Providence. No arrests have been made.

Clements said this is the city's seventh homicide of the year.

This afternoon, a small group of memorial candles had been put in place in front of a small church across the street from the house at 124 Eastwood.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writers W. Zachary Malinowski and Mark Reynolds

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 4:27 PM | Comment

Health department reopens 7 beaches for swimming

The state Department of Health today reopened seven Rhode Island beaches to swimming.

They are Third Beach and Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown, Camp Grosvenor in North Kingstown, Fort Adams State Park Beach in Newport, and Gorton Pond Beach, Oakland Beach and Conimicut Point Beach, all in Warwick.

The health department recommended reopening these beaches based on water samples that yielded bacteria levels within acceptable limits.

But it wasn't all good news for swimmers. The health department closed to swimming Bristol Town Beach and Warren Town Beach because of high bacteria counts.

Remaining closed is City Park Beach, in Warwick.

For updates on swimming at beaches, go to www.health.ri.gov or for recorded information call (401) 222-2751.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:22 PM | Comment

Photo / Video: It's good to be home from Iraq

RETURN%2001%20BM.JPG
Journal photo/ Bill Murphy
NORTH KINGSTOWN -- Spc. Kurt Sprengel, right, of North Kingstown, a member of the Army National Guard's 169th Military Police Unit, is welcomed home by his girlfriend, Kate Dunagan, left, of Barrington, at the Guard headquarters in Quonset this morning. This morning, 135 members of the unit flew in by cargo plane as they returned from an 11-month deployment in Iraq.

Video: Watch scenes of the soldiers being welcomed home.

Posted by Jack Perry at 4:18 PM | Comment

Foam firm makes $6.3 M settlement offer in Station suit

A Johnston foam company and the salesman who suggested The Station nightclub owners use foam soundproofing have agreed “in principle” to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits stemming from the 2003 nightclub blaze that left 100 people dead.

The latest in a series of tentative settlements comes from the American Foam Corp., the executors of the estate of the company’s late president, and former company salesman Barry Warner, who lived next to the West Warwick nightclub and told the club owners they could buy foam as soundproofing.

The notice of settlement was filed in U.S. District Court in Providence today, saying that a “settlement in principle has been reached” with American Foam Corp., Warner and the three co-executors of Aram DerManouelian’s estate -- Jo-Ann DerManouelian, Everett Marabian and Paul Plourde.

The new settlement offer brings the pool of money offered to victims to about $155 million. But it will be months before victims see any of that money because the deals hinge on the approval of the court, the approval of all the plaintiffs, and court approval of the plan for divvying up the money.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Extra: The Journal's continuing report on the Station fire and its aftermath.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:47 PM | Comment

Shooting victim had been introduced as tenant's girlfriend

PAWTUCKET -- A woman found dead in a Pawtucket apartment last night was a frequent visitor and had been introduced as the girlfriend of the man who lived there, the owner of the building said today.

At about 9:50 last night, building owner Jacinta Fernandes was at a baseball game with her son, she said, when she got a call from neighbors telling her she might want to come home, because there were police cars all over the place.

When she returned to her house at 14 Reservoir Ave., Fernandes said, the body was still in the basement apartment and she wasn’t allowed in.

The police say she was shot to death.

Fernandes said the woman, in her 20s, did not live there, but was a frequent visitor and had been introduced as the boyfriend of the man who lived there. Fernandes gave his name only as “Johnny.”

Fernandes said he was friendly and had been staying in the basement apartment since the end of March.

She asked her neighbors what had happened, but they said they didn’t hear anything. “Everybody’s in shock,” Fernandes said.

Tonight, members of her church are going to spend the night with her.

No one has been arrested in the shooting, police are still investigating.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Castellucci

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 2:18 PM | Comment

Governor Carcieri signs $6.9 billion state budget / Photo

budget_sign.jpg
Journal photo / Connie Grosch
Governor Carcieri signs the state budget at a State House ceremony where he was joined by the General Assembly's leadership.

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today signed Rhode Island's budget for the year that begins July 1 -- a budget designed to close a massive deficit.

The governor, a Republican, was flanked by legislative leaders of the Democrat-dominated General Assembly.


Budget graphic: A snapshot of spending cuts

The state was projected to face a $425 million gap in its finances, something the $6.9 billion spending package is set to close, in part through cuts to programs for the elderly, the poor and the disabled.

Carcieri and lawmakers are taking reporters' questions at this hour in the State House State Room, where the signing happened. The room is packed with legislators, state department directors and others.

-- With reports from Cynthia Needham of the Journal State House Bureau and Journal archival reports

Your turn: What do you think of this year's budget?

Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:07 PM | Comment

Victim of Providence shooting ID'd as city youth, 17

Police have now identified the person killed in a Providence shooting last night as Virgilio Rojo, 17, of 470 Manton Ave., Providence, in one of a spate of deadly overnight shootings in three Rhode Island cities.

Just before midnight, the Providence police were alerted to an injured man at 124 Eastwood Ave., according to a statement earlier today released by Capt. Hugh Clements that did not identify the victim.

When officers arrived, they found a “young man” with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and pronounced dead soon after his arrival, according to Clements.

It is the city's seventh homicide of the year.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski and projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:16 PM | Comment

Defendant: Strangling victim not coerced into sex

WARWICK -- A West Warwick man accused of strangling a woman to death said that the victim was not coerced into having violent sex.

“She knew what she was doing,” Brian Mlyniec said on a recording made during a police investigation in 2006. The recording was made shortly after the state’s Medical Examiners Office ruled the cause of death of Kelly Ann Andersen, 41, was strangulation.

Jurors watched the interview in Kent County Superior Court before they broke for lunch today. Mlyniec, now 45, is facing murder charges in Andersen’s death. She was found dead in Mlyniec’s apartment two years ago.

Earlier in the day, assistant medical examiner Peter A. Gillespie, who also testified yesterday, answered questions posed by defense lawyer Andrew A. Bucci about the toxicity of methadone and alcohol that Anderson had consumed.

Although it was possible that Anderson survived strangulation and instead died from the drugs and alcohol, Gillespie said, “In my opinion, that’s not what happened.”

After responding similar questions in several ways, Gillespie offered: “If you’re asking hypothetically, anything is possible.”

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports form Journal staff writer Nandini Jayakrishna

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 12:56 PM | Comment

Woonsocket gets $502,000 drug-abuse prevention grant

The day after a 17-year-old was shot and killed in what police say may be a drug-related crime, Woonsocket officials announced the city had received a grant to help prevent substance abuse and the problems stemming form drug use.

The Woonsocket Prevention Coalition, formerly the Woonsocket Task Force on Substance Abuse, and the Woonsocket police department are receiving $502,000 from the federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

In a statement released by Lisa Carcifero, the coalition's executive director, she says the grant “is about making our community safer … educating the community … taking drugs out of our community … decreasing access and availability on the streets, at home and in our schools … and most importantly keeping drugs out of the hands of our youth.”

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 12:50 PM | Comment

High court: Stiffer penalties apply to breath-test refusals

PROVIDENCE — The state Supreme Court today ruled that harsher penalties approved in 2006 do apply to motorists who refuse to take Breathalyzer tests.

In making the ruling, the high court rejected the argument that the new penalties were wiped out when Governor Carcieri signed a budget bill containing the law’s old language.

Justice Paul A. Suttell began the court’s 13-page opinion with a quote: “If you like laws and sausage, you should never watch either one being made.”

Suttell said, “Otto von Bismark’s laconic observation is apropos to this appeal in which we are asked to consider two legislative acts passed in the waning days of the 2005-2006 session of the General Assembly.”

Before the penalties changed, nearly 85 percent of motorists suspected of drunken driving in Rhode Island were refusing to submit to Breathalyzer tests, while the national average was 25 percent.

So in 2006, the General Assembly passed a law aimed at cracking down on those who refused to take the tests. For first offenses, the law doubled the minimum license suspension to six months, and it made subsequent offenses criminal rather than civil. For second offenses, the law provided penalties of up to six months in prison, fines of up to $1,000 and up to 100 hours of community service.

Governor Carcieri signed the bill on June 28, 2006. And two days later, he signed the annual budget bill, which added a $200 assessment for refusing a Breathalyzer test but did not include the stiffer penalties contained in the other legislation.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Three men charged with Breathalyzer refusal — Theodore H. Such Jr., Eric Ahlborg and Robert MacDonald — asked then-Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr. to declare “which of these amendments would control in penal actions brought by prosecutors against them.” And in January 2007, Fortunato, who has since retired, ruled that the budget bill was the “controlling statute.”

The Supreme Court put that ruling on hold, pending an appeal. And during oral arguments in May, Pawtucket lawyer and former House Speaker John B. Harwood argued that the budget bill amended the penalties back to their prior level — except for adding the $200 assessment. Harwood told the court, “A law doesn’t become a law until it reaches the governor’s desk.”

But in today’s ruling, the Supreme Court noted that while the governor signed the refusal bill first, the Assembly passed the budget bill one day before it passed the refusal bill.

“Thus, at the point in the legislative process when both the House and the Senate passed the budget bill, said bill contained the correct language of the refusal statute as it then existed,” Suttell wrote. “The timing of the governor’s signature is irrelevant under the specific set of facts before us. As plaintiffs point out, the ‘Rhode Island Constitution vests legislative authority exclusively in the General Assembly.’ ”

The court said the governor does not have the power to repeal one of two bills simply by signing one before the other. Plus, Suttell wrote, “Our task in construing statutes is to give effect to legislative intent, not gubernatorial intent.”

The Supreme Court concluded that the Assembly never intended for the budget bill to negate the refusal bill.

“The budget bill and the refusal bill were passed in the same legislative session — indeed, one day apart by the General Assembly — and they address the same subject matter,” Suttell wrote. “This court presumes they were actuated by the same policy and that the General Assembly intended them to have effect together.”

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 12:10 PM | Comment

Carny charged with failing to register as sex offender

PROVIDENCE -- A federal grand jury indictment charges a man who was working for a carnival and concessions company in Rhode Island with failing to register as a sex offender here after he was convicted in Georgia 10 years ago of child molestation.

Leonard F. Roupe is charged under a 2006 federal law that requires a person to register as such in the state to which he or she moves, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente and U.S. Marshal Burton Stallwood. Since late April, Roupe had been living at a Johnston motel and working in Rhode Island for a carnival concessions and game company.

Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Roupe on June 6 on a federal complaint, the news release says. According to an affidavit, Roupe, 51, was convicted in Georgia in 1998 of child molestation and was subsequently required under Georgia Law to register as a sex offender. He did register in Georgia initially, but as of June 5, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry Web site listed him as having “absconded,” the statement says.

Roupe is charged with two counts of failure to register after traveling interstate: one count with respect to living in Rhode Island and one in connection with working in the state.

If there is a conviction, the maximum penalty for each count is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Roupe has been in federal custody since his arrest and will be brought into U.S. District Court, Providence, for arraignment, the release says. It does not provide a time for the arraignment and does not say which company employed Roupe.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:04 PM | Comment

Tonight: HSGameTime All-State boys outdoor track

Tonight at 6, we continue our coverage of spring All-States by unveiling the 2008 Providence Journal HSGameTime All-State boys outdoor track team. You can find the first-team and second-team All-State listings as well as All-Division and All-Class teams, at HSGameTime.

Here is the online schedule for spring All-States. The new teams will be announced at 6 p.m. each day.

Online now: Boys tennis, golf, boys volleyball, softball, girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, girls outdoor track
Tonight: Boys outdoor track
Tomorrow: Independent stars
Saturday: Baseball

Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:34 AM | Comment

Entwistle gets life in prison for killing wife, baby

WOBURN, Mass. -- A British man convicted of shooting to death his 9-month-old baby and wife as they cuddled together in bed showed no reaction today as he was sentenced to two life prison terms without the opportunity for parole.

Neil Entwistle was found guilty yesterday of two counts of first-degree murder in the 2006 deaths of his wife Rachel and their baby, Lillian Rose, in their rented home in Hopkinton. He fled to his native England afterward.

He claims his wife killed the baby and then committed suicide as they cuddled in bed.

Prosecutors said he was despondent over mounting debt and dissatisfied over his sex life.

During the brief sentencing hearing, Rachel's mother, Priscilla Matterazzo, called Entwistle's theory of a murder-suicide "low and despicable."

"Suffering does not begin to describe what we have been enduring without our beloved Rachel and Lillian," said Matterazzo, who wore a pink rose on her lapel in memory of her granddaughter. "I have lost two generations of my family."

Matterazzo asked that the life sentences be consecutive, to represent the two generations. But Middlesex District Court Judge Diane Kottmeyer said that would be only symbolic since there is no chance he'll be released, and imposed two concurrent life sentences.

Entwistle's family continued to support him.

"There is no way our innocent son Neil is guilty," his father, Clifford Entwistle, said before the sentencing. He refused comment afterward.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:49 AM | Comment

Governor to sign budget today

Governor Carcieri is scheduled to sign the state’s $6.9 billion budget this afternoon.

The plan, which was approved by the General Assembly last week, outlines virtually all state spending for the budget year that begins July 1.

The House Finance Committee estimates that the budget will lead to a $97-million deficit for the coming fiscal year, which is down considerably from previous projections.

Among other things, the budget increases local education assistance for cities and towns, but freezes non-education aid at reduced levels. It includes $90 million in cuts to the state’s work force (which have yet to be detailed) and another $67 million in savings by reducing Medicaid programs that serve the state's poor, elderly and disabled.

See where else cuts have been made in spending.

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 10:08 AM | Comment

Photo: Falcon comes down to downtown

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Journal photo/ Bill Murphy
A young peregrine falcon at the doorway of the Federal Reserve restaurant on Dorrance Street drew some curious looks this morning. Three young falcons nest atop the nearby Bank of America Building in downtown Providence. Read more about the falcons.

Posted by Jack Perry at 8:53 AM | Comment

National Guard company set to return today

After an 11-month deployment, more than 130 members of the Rhode Island National Guard are scheduled to return from Iraq.

The 169th Military Police Company worked as transition teams responsible for educating and training Iraqi police forces.

"The importance of having a professional, well-trained police force is necessary for the government of Iraq's ability to provide security and stability for its people," Maj. Robert T. Bray, adjutant general of the RI National Guard, said in a statement.

The 135 members of the company certified that the Iraqi officers were trained properly, accompanying them on joint patrols to watch and instruct.

The group is scheduled to fly into Quonset Air National Guard Base today between 9 and 10 a.m.

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 7:56 AM | Comment

Funeral today for Desiree Mesolella

A funeral is scheduled this morning for the daughter of former state representative Vincent Mesolella.

Desiree Mesolella, 19, was killed Sunday in a car crash in Port Washington, N.Y. Mesolella was the passenger.

Police say the driver, Ansaf G. Imbrahim, crossed the center line and drove head on into another car. Imbrahim is facing charges including driving while intoxicated.

Mesolella was an art student at Adelphi University.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, Cathedral Square, Providence. Mesolella will be buried in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

Her parents are asking that donations be made to the Desiree Mesolella Memorial Art Scholarship fund, 235 Promenade St., Suite 140, Providence.

Friends and family can read Mesolella's obituary and sign her guestbook online.

Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 7:48 AM | Comment

Today in history: American troops enter WWI

On this day in 1917, the first troops of the American Expeditionary Force arrived in France during World War I.

For more from today in history.

Watch a video report from today in history.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment

It's nice out, for now

Did we do something wrong?

After a brief respite from dreary weather, it's back. The National Weather Service is forecasting more showers, more thunderstorms, more hail and more gusty winds this afternoon. Temperatures should reach about 81 degrees, with winds from the southwest gusting as high as 22 mph.

We can look forward to more of the same tonight, with the added bonus of fog. Temperatures should drop to about 66 degrees and we'll have mild, west winds.

Tomorrow's looking good, with clear, sunny skies and temperatures reaching 88 degrees.

See projo.com's weather page to watch the storms on live radar.


Posted by Brandie M. Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment

Today's front page: Life without parole for child killer

Today's front page features a story about a Woonsocket man being sentenced to life in prison without parole for the kidnapping, rape and murder of his 8-year-old neighbor.

Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

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