UPDATED: Police Identify Man Killed at Federal Hill Lounge
GoLocalProv News Team
UPDATED: Police Identify Man Killed at Federal Hill Lounge
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.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBusinesswoman 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.”
“We all knew this club was next — it was just a matter of time. Kind of strange to happen on a Wednesday night," said Mike White. “Now it’s going to hurt business again. Plus we have our huge annual Columbus Day feast next weekend.”
White said the street was closed for 5 hours while police were investigating.
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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.