Providence Journal photo/ Kathy Borchers
A memorial has been set up where homicide victim
Jose Sanchez was found.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Providence man believed to have ties to street gangs became the city's ninth homicide victim early Saturday, said Detective Capt. Michael E. Correia.
Jose Sanchez, whose last known address was 108 Berkshire St., was found near Clym and June streets after the police responded to reports of shots fired with a man down at 1:26 a.m., Correia said.
"We believe he has relationships with at least one street gang in the city, and we're looking into that as a possible motive for the homicide," Correia said.
The police recovered evidence "indicating that Mr. Sanchez was the victim of a shooting," Correia added.
Saturday's homicide follows by one week the fatal shooting of Aynis Vargas, a 12-year-old girl, in Hartford Park. It also marked the 48th shooting in the city so far this year, Correia said.
Sanchez had prior contact with Providence police when he was arrested on May 25, 2012 and charged with possession of a .22-caliber Smith & Wesson, Correia said.
The police on Saturday afternoon were still canvassing the neighborhood where Sanchez was killed. There are no suspects yet, Correia said.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. James Marsland at (401)-243-6406.
-- The original version of this report was published at 10:31 a.m.