NEW: Two Central Falls Men Sentenced for 2018 Pawtucket Shooting
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Two Central Falls Men Sentenced for 2018 Pawtucket Shooting
Sergio Garcia, 19, and Helton Rodrigues, 20, each pleaded to one count of felony assault, serious bodily injury; discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence injury resulting; conspiracy to commit felony assault; and possession of a pistol without a license.
“Rhode Islanders deserve to live in safe communities, which is why prosecuting violent crime is at the core of our Office’s mission. The defendants’ reckless and violent behavior in this case injured a man and it could have been much, much worse. They will serve a lengthy sentence at the ACI, and deservedly so,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha.
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According to the Attorney General’s office, had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on November 3, 2018, Garcia and Rodriguez entered the West Mart Convenience Store in Pawtucket and encountered Justice Reyes.
Reyes was wearing a sweatshirt depicting a photograph of his friend Robert “Robby” Baptista, who was murdered in 2016.
Before exiting the store and walking down the street, Garcia and Rodrigues exchanged words with Reyes, suggesting he would “end up like Robby.”
According to the Attorney General's office, moments later, while Reyes stood outside the store on his cell phone, Garcia and Rodrigues began walking back toward West Mart.
As they got closer, they fired multiple rounds at Reyes. Reyes took cover inside the store but Garcia followed him inside, continuing to fire at Reyes.
Reyes was struck in the abdomen and in the hand.
He has since recovered from his injuries.
Garcia exited the store and he and Rodrigues fled the scene.