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Two Brockton men charged in melee near Providence nightclub

June 16, 2013, 7:28 am
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By Tracy Breton

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Two men were charged with disorderly conduct after a melee near a Providence nightclub early Sunday morning. One of the men was also charged with assaulting a Providence police officer who tried to break up a fight.

The fight occurred about 3 a.m. in the parking lot of the Garrahy Judicial Complex after they left Club Karma on Richmond Street. The police said both men were "highly intoxicated."

Antonio Fernandes, 35, of 77 Spring St., Brockton, was charged with disorderly conduct as was Mcadoo Rodney, 23, of 67 Cary St., Brockton. Rodney was also charged with assaulting Ptlmn. Andrew Groot who had been assigned with other police officers to disperse a crowd that was causing a disturbance in the courthouse parking lot.

According to the police report, after police officers arrived at the parking lot, they saw Fernandes run over to a man, strike him and then kick him after the man fell to the ground. When Groot tried to intervene, Fernandes allegedly swung his arms in an attempt to hit the officer. Groot then struck Fernandes in the upper body several times before he and another officer tackled him and put him in handcuffs.

During the disturbance, Rodney alleged picked up a glass bottle and threw it at a group of people. When Groot went to grab him and take him into custody, Rodney allegedly struck him several times in the chest. Groot then struck Rodney in the upper body several times with closed fists, tackled him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.

Both men were held overnight at police headquarters.

The report said that Rodney suffered abrasions to his hands and elbows in the scuffle.

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Man involved in domestic dispute tries to elude police; hits four vehicles

June 16, 2013, 9:01 am
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By Tracy Breton

WARWICK, RI -- A 23-year-old Warwick man involved in a domestic dispute led police on a high-speed chase Saturday night, crashing into four cars and sending several adults and an infant to area hospitals.

The police did not identify any of the victims. The infant had "very minor injuries," the police said. It was unclear from the police report how badly the adults were injured, though one of the cars rolled over.

The police said they suspected the driver who caused the accidents, Anthony Diaz, of Warwick, was intoxicated.

He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, eluding a police officer, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, domestic assault, violation of a no-contact order, resisting arrest, simple assault on a police officer and a variety of other motor vehicle violations.

He was apprehended after crashing into a retaining wall near the intersection of Airport and Post roads. The police said that after he hit the four other cars and crashed his own. Then he tried to flee on foot.

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Fire ruins vacant house in Elmwood section of Providence

June 16, 2013, 9:46 am
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By Tracy Breton

PROVIDENCE, RI -- A fire destroyed a vacant two-story house at 100 Mawney Street at 3:30 Sunday morning.

No injuries were reported but it took firefighters two hours to extinguish the blaze, said Battalion Chief Clarence Cunha.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, he said.

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Warm and partly sunny through Monday

June 16, 2013, 10:09 am
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By News staff


The high Sunday afternoon is forecast to break 80, although it will be partly cloudy. Happy Father's Day.

The National Weather Service says there's a 30 percent chance of rain in Providence Sunday night with a slight chance of thunderstorms Monday.

For a complete forecast, check with our weather partners at WPRI.

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13 Providence residents displaced by fire on Plainfield Street

June 16, 2013, 10:57 am
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By Tracy Breton

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Thirteen people were left homeless Sunday morning from a fire in a vacant store at 103 Plainfield Street.

Battalion Chief Clarence Cunha said no one was injured in the blaze that broke out at 6:10 a.m. The Red Cross was helping residents who lived in six apartments above the store find alternative housing. Their apartments incurred smoke damage, Cunha said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to put out the fire.

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More than 200 take part in Newport memorial bicycle ride

June 16, 2013, 11:56 am
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By News staff

bike_620.jpg

Providence Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

More than 200 bicyclists leave Fort Adams in Newport Sunday at the start of the Elliot Kaminitz Father's Day Ride. The ride is in memory of Elliot Kaminitz, who was hit by a car while biking on the city's Memorial Boulevard. Since that accident, the state Department of Transportation has built a bicycle lane in the area, and the Kaminitz family has remained firm to its commitment to improve safety for all cyclists.

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Girl, 12, dies from gunshot wound in Providence

June 16, 2013, 12:18 pm
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By Gregory Smith

Providence Journal video / Kris Craig

PROVIDENCE, RI -- A 12-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the hospital after she and three other females suffered gunshot wounds in a late-night incident Saturday at a social gathering in the Hartford Park public housing project, the police said.

Police Lt. Dean R. Isabella said the girl, whose identity was withheld, was shot once in the incident, which occurred shortly before midnight, and was pronounced dead at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

The other females, also unnamed, were taken to Rhode Island Hospital. One was released after treatment, according to Isabella, and the status of the other two could not be immediately determined.

"A subject walks up in front of them and starts to shoot into the gathering," Isabella related Sunday. "And then he walks off on foot."

Additional details were not immediately available

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House posts $8.2 billion budget bill for consideration Tuesday

June 16, 2013, 1:21 pm
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By Katherine Gregg

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The House Finance Committee has posted the $8.2 billion state budget for potential unveiling - and a vote - this Tuesday.

The posting marks a critical turning point in each year's legislative session, but it does not necessarily mean that the House and Senate have reached a final agreement on their version of the budget the governor introduced in January.

The centerpiece of Chafee's budget proposal was a 2 percentage point cut in the corporate tax rate, and several new spending initiatives. But revenue expectations have dropped since then by more than $50 million, and despite some savings, House and Senate budget-writers were confronted with the need to close a $30 million gap.

House spokesman Larry Berman says legislative negotiators have not yet reached agreement on a new budget for the year that begins on July 1, but "they are working towards one'' and "felt close enough'' to post the big budget bill for hearing and possible action on Tuesday.

"They felt close enough they could post [the bill] in anticipation of an agreement within the next 48 hours,'' Berman said in a telephone interview late Sunday afternoon.

He said the House and Senate finance chairs - Rep. Helio Melo and Sen.Daniel DaPonte met over the weekend and "made a lot of progress,''

"According to [Melo] they are anticipating an agreement in the next 48 hours,'' Berman said.

The posting went up shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Asked for comment on this latest development, Chafee spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger issued this statement:

"The Governor's budget reflected his priorities and while revenues and caseload do reflect a shortfall of 30 million it is still possible for the legislature to propose a budget that invests in education, infrastructure, and workforce development as well as protecting property tax payers.''

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Former hitman testifying at Bulger trial in Mass.

June 17, 2013, 6:47 am
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By News staff
martorano.jpg

AP file photo

Martorano

BOSTON (AP) -- A former hitman who admitted killing 20 people is expected to take the stand at the trial of James "Whitey" Bulger to testify against the reputed gangster.

John Martorano served a little over 12 years in prison after striking a cooperation deal with prosecutors. He was released in 2007.

Bulger, the former leader of the Winter Hill Gang, is charged in a 32-count racketeering indictment that accuses him of participating in 19 murders in the 1970s and '80s. He is also charged with extorting bookmakers, drug dealers and others running illegal businesses.

Martorano is one of three former Bulger loyalists who struck deals with prosecutors and agreed to testify against him. Bulger's former partner, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, and former Bulger lieutenant Kevin Weeks also are expected to be key prosecution witnesses.

Martorano, 72, is expected to testify Monday.

During his opening statement to the jury, Bulger's lawyer, J.W. Carney Jr., raised questions about the credibility of Martorano, Weeks and Flemmi, citing the "extraordinary" plea deals they struck with prosecutors.

"The federal government was so desperate to have John Martorano testify ... they basically put their hands up in the air and said take anything you want," Carney said.


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Providence police continue to investigate fatal shooting of girl, 12

June 17, 2013, 7:12 am
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By News staff
policeathartford.jpg

Journal photo/ Andrew Dickerman

The Providence poolice are back at the Hartford Park housing project Monday morning near the site of Saturday's fatal shooting of a 12-year-old girl.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence police say they are continuing their investigation into the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old girl at the Hartford Park public housing project Saturday night.

The police Monday morning released the name of the girl who was killed and the three women who were injured in the shooting shortly before midnight.

hartfordmemorial.jpg

Journal photo/ W. Zachary Malinoswki

Candles, balloons, flowers and a stuffed animal
mark a memorial for Aynis Vargas at the Hartford
Park public housing project.

Aynis Vargas, 12, died at Hasbro Children's Hospital, according to the police. Her father told WJAR-TV that Aynis liked acting, singing and would have started middle school in the fall.

The three other victims were identified as Vilma Tineo, 44, of Providence, who was treated and released from the hospital. Still hospitalized are Elaine Devargas, 23, unknown address, who is in good condition and Eugelyn Cabera-Martinez, 33, of Providence, who is in fair condition.

The police ask anyone with information to contact the Providence Police Detective Bureau at 401-243-6406 or email policedept@providenceri.com . To report an anonymous tip, call 1-855-776-7100 or text "PPDTIP" to 274637.

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RI gas prices hold steady for 3rd week

June 17, 2013, 7:35 am
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By Jack Perry

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Gas prices in Rhode Island have stayed the same for the third straight week, according to AAA Southern New England.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.599 at self-service pumps in the Ocean State, according to AAA's weekly survey.

A survey Thursday by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources found the average price at $3.62.

According to AAA, the price is up two cents over the last month but still two cents less than the national average of $3.619. Rhode Island drivers were paying five cents less a year ago, $3.549.

AAA's survey found a 26-cent range in price, from a low of $3.49 to a high of $3.75.

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North Kingstown beach closed again to swimming

June 17, 2013, 7:43 am
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By News staff

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) -- The town beach in North Kingstown has been closed again to swimming because of high bacteria counts in the water.

The Rhode Island Department of Health says five other beaches also remain closed because of unsafe bacteria levels. They are Conimicut Point Beach, Oakland Beach, City Park Beach, Goddard Memorial State Park Beach and Fort Adams State Park Beach.

Health officials will recommend the beaches be reopened to swimming when water quality tests show bacteria levels have returned to normal.

The health department routinely monitors water quality at the state's public beaches throughout the summer months.

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Shooting victim's uncle: 'We're devastated for what he did'

June 17, 2013, 8:22 am
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By W. Zachary Malinowski
aynis.jpg

Courtesy of family

Aynis Vargas

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Leo Vargas, the uncle of 12-year-old shooting victim Aynis Vargas, said the gunman appeared out of nowhere around midnight on Sunday and started firing what appeared to be a 9mm handgun.

There were about 15 children from babies to teenagers outside the project. He said the gunman shot his niece in the back right between her shoulders.

Vargas said the gunman was alone. He wore a mask, camouflage pants and a black shirt.

''We're devastated for what he did,'' Vargas said. ''He's a heartless man. Why? Why us? She was an innocent girl.''

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Twin River opens on a limited basis to the public

June 17, 2013, 9:48 am
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By Alex Kuffner

twin_620.jpg

Providence Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

Twin River Casino employees watch a patron, left, play craps Monday as the casino continues the soft opening of its table games.

Lincoln, R.I. -- By 11 a.m on Monday, an hour after doors opened, 51 people were sitting around tables for blackjack, three-card poker, craps and other games at Twin River Casino.

It's the second day that table games are open on a limited basis as the casino prepares for a full opening of its new offerings on Wednesday.

Only 18 of Twin River's 66 tables were open Monday morning, but the casino has permission from state regulators to open as many as 40 as the day goes on.

The soft opening, which started Friday with an invitation-only event, is a chance for dealers and supervisors to work out any kinks in the table games operation.

Everything has gone according to plan, said Craig Sculos, Twin River vice president and general manager. The turn-out so far has been better than expected.

"To have this type of turn-out is outstanding," he said. "It bodes well for the future."

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Swansea, Tiverton men dead in murder-suicide

June 17, 2013, 9:58 am
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By Thomas J. Morgan


SWANSEA, Mass. - An apparent murder-suicide Sunday took the lives of a Swansea resident and of a man from Tiverton.

Mitchell Stevenson, 37, of Tiverton, was found dead in a car on Stephen French Road, according to Yasmina Serdarevic, spokeswoman for Bristol County, Mass. District Attorney C. Sam Sutter.

Serdarevic said that Stevenson was apparently shot by Christian Wilson, 43, of 375 Stephen French Rd. around 6 p.m.

She said the motive apparently was a dispute over money. She said Stevenson apparently went to Wilson's house to collect money, after which Wilson fired several shots at close range.

Wilson then retreated to his house, Serdarevic said, after which a gunshot was heard, and Wilson was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted wound.

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Father: Tiverton man killed in apparent murder-suicide was collecting debt for restoring car

June 17, 2013, 10:38 am
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By Tatiana Pina

SWANSEA, Mass. -- The father of a Tiverton man who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide said his son had gone to collect money for restoring an antique car when was killed.

Mitchell Stevenson, 37, of Tiverton, was found dead in a car on Stephen French Road, according to Yasmina Serdarevic, spokeswoman for Bristol County, Mass. District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter.

Serdarevic said that Stevenson was apparently shot by Christian Wilson, 43, of 375 Stephen French Rd. Wilson was found in his house dead from an apparently self-inflicted wound.

Mitchell's father, Michael Stevenson, of Tiverton, said his son, from whom he was estranged, had restored a Chevrolet Impala for Wilson and had gone to his house to collect money for his work. He said that rather than collect a percentage of the sale of the Impala, Mitchell had agreed to $5,000. He said the Impala is in a classic car museum where high end classics are auctioned.

"My son is really talented at what he does," Stevenson said. "Mitchell was the kind of guy who would help anybody. He did all that work for that guy and that guy was supposed to pay him."


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Ex-hitman: I was heartbroken Bulger was informant

June 17, 2013, 11:24 am
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By News staff
martorano.jpg

AP file photo

Martorano

DENISE LAVOIE
AP Legal Affairs Writer

BOSTON (AP) -- A former hitman who admitted killing 20 people says he decided to testify against James "Whitey" Bulger after learning Bulger and his partner were FBI informants.

John Martorano served 12 years in prison after striking a cooperation deal with prosecutors.

Martorano took the witness stand Tuesday against Bulger. He described Bulger and his partner, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, as his "partners in crime," his best friends and the godfathers of his children.

Martorano says he decided to become a government witness against them because they violated his trust by becoming informants, something he said "sort of broke my heart."

Bulger, the former leader of the Winter Hill Gang, is charged in a 32-count indictment that accuses him of participating in 19 murders in the 1970s and '80s. He is also charged with extorting bookmakers, drug dealers and others running illegal businesses.

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North Kingstown beach closed, 3 others reopen

June 17, 2013, 11:47 am
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By News staff

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) -- The town beach in North Kingstown has been closed again to swimming because of high bacteria counts in the water, but three others have been reopened.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said Monday it recommended the reopening to swimming of Fort Adams State Park Beach, Conimicut Point Beach and Goddard Memorial State Park Beach because bacteria levels were safe again.

Oakland Beach and City Park Beach remain closed to swimmers.

Health officials will recommend the beaches be reopened to swimming when water quality tests show bacteria levels have returned to normal.

The health department routinely monitors water quality at the state's public beaches throughout the summer months.

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Compromise sought on Rhode Island's voter ID law

June 17, 2013, 12:35 pm
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By Randal Edgar

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rep. Larry Valencia started out by pushing for a repeal of the state's voter ID law, but the Richmond Democrat now says he is seeking a compromise.

With backing from House leadership, Valencia said his repeal bill will be amended before Tuesday's House Judiciary Committee meeting, so that rather than repeal the law, it would freeze it as is.

The existing voter ID requirements that voters show a government-issued ID in order to vote would remain. But the requirement that voters show a photo ID starting in 2014 would be eliminated, he said.

Valencia said he is open to changing the law, to strengthen or ease the standards, in the future, but only based on data that shows how it is working.

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R.I. health director revokes pharmacy license of former Coventry senator Blais

June 17, 2013, 12:38 pm
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By Richard Salit

State Health Director Michael Fine, in a series of unprecedented moves, has permanently revoked the pharmacy license of Leo Blais, a former state senator from Coventry.

Fine had summarily suspended Blais' license more than a year after a baby and a toddler received medications from Apothecare Compounding Solutions that mistakenly contained morphine. This dispensing error occurred while Blais was the pharmacist in charge and the verifying pharmacist for both prescriptions.

Fine noted that it wasn't Blais' first professional lapse, citing a 1999 case in which the pharmacist admitted he had outdated, mislabeled and unusual medications in his pharmacy.

Blais, he said, has "twice repeated serious neglect of his public safety obligations and his actions leave me no other choice but to revoke his pharmacy license."

In March, Fine rejected an agreement between Blais and the state Board of Pharmacy that would have have retroactively suspended his license for two years, with one year stayed.

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