Journal photo/ Kathy Borchers
Jovani Torres listens to the victim's
family giving their statements.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A 31-year-old Providence man was sentenced to life in prison in the killing of a friend last year over an ongoing dispute.
Jovani Torres pleaded guilty Monday morning in Providence Superior Court to amended charges of second-degree murder and firing a handgun resulting in injury, along with being a convicted felon in possession of a gun. In exchange, the state dismissed a charge of carrying a gun without a license.
Torres, who was on probation at the time of the killing, was also ordered to serve the remainder of a previous conviction for possession of cocaine.
Under the plea agreement, Torres admitted to gunning down Ivan Taveras on June 2 outside his car wash. Taveras' then 5-year-old son, the authorities charged, stood nearby.
Journal photo/ Kathy Borchers
Family and friends of Ivan Taveras react during the plea hearing.