Providence Police Identify Shooting Victim as 15-Year-Old Central Student

Providence Police Identify Shooting Victim as 15-Year-Old Central Student

The Providence Police Department on Thursday morning identified Wednesday's shooting victim outside of the Providence Career and Technical Academy as 15-year-old William Parsons. 

"I found out when the students told me," said Pilar McCloud, CEO and Founder of A Sweet Creation youth organization, which was founded in the Olneyville section of Providence. "I spoke to some people today -- I heard he was a good kid, no trouble. He was an Olneyville resident."

See More Shooting Coverage: VIDEO: Providence Student Murdered Outside High School UPDATED

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The police said Thursday that Parsons was an innocent bystander. 

"Students were texting me up until 1:30 last night. Parents were concerned they had school today," said McCloud, who was heading to a meeting at the Providence Public School Department at noon on Thursday. "I know there are memorials being planned right now."

According to the Providence, the 16-year-old suspect -- who shot himself while fleeing the scene -- was not a student at one of the surrounding schools. 

"Please note that the 16-year old suspect responsible for the homicide yesterday at 41 Fricker Street is NOT a PCTA, Central, or Classical student," said Lindsay Lague with the Office os the Providence Public Safety Commissioner. 

The suspect, currently at Hasbro Children's Hospital, is expected to be charged later today.