NEW: Arrest Warrant Issued in Federal Hill Stabbing
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Arrest Warrant Issued in Federal Hill Stabbing
According to police, Francisco, 41, of Pawtucket, is responsible for the stabbing death of Troy Pine that took place inside Nara Lounge.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PPD Detective Fabio Zuena at (401) 243- 6332.
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As GoLocalProv reported, Pine was stabbed to death inside of the nightclub Nara Lounge on Federal Hill in Providence shortly after midnight on Thursday.
"The stabbing occurred inside the bar," said Providence Police Major David Lapatin on Thursday.
Businesswoman Pat Paolino Cruz took to Facebook and paid tribute to Pine, "So heartbreaking to hear the news this morning of more violence on Federal Hill...Which has to stop...Now to see that it was a personal friend that was killed. I’m absolutely heartbroken for everyone who knew Troy and the loss they are feeling today. He was sweet, respectful, generous and kind every time I saw him and I will miss his smile and warmth. Rest In Peace my friend, sending prayers to his family, friends and the entire DaVinci and Big Tony's family. My heart is with you all."
According to one Federal Hill resident, who witnessed the aftermath — it was “just a matter of time.”
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Nara Lounge is owned by Dhwani Patel and Kanan Patel, according to RI business records.
Both of them are donors to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza — donating $1,500, according to Rhode Island state campaign finance records.
The club has been brought before the Providence Board of Licenses on numerous occasions in the past.
According to city records, Nara was brought before the board for incidents dating back to 2013. The lounge was cited in May of 2017 for illegal bottle service and was fined $750.
The murder marks the second in the city in less than a week, after a 19-year-old woman was shot and killed — and not the intended target — while out with friends celebrating her birthday.
Providence Police continue to search for the perpetrators in both killings.