CRANSTON, R.I. — The quiet streets of a Cranston neighborhood turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak Monday evening after the fatal shooting of a Providence teenager. Police have now confirmed the arrest of a Massachusetts man in connection with the killing, which has shaken two cities and renewed concerns over youth violence in Rhode Island.
Authorities say D’Maury Monteiro, 19, of Fall River, was taken into custody on Tuesday following an intensive overnight investigation. He is accused of fatally shooting 16-year-old Eduardo Loran Colon, of Providence, in what police are calling a targeted act of violence.
The Shooting
Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said the department received several 911 calls just before 6 p.m. Monday reporting gunshots in the area of Park Avenue and Doric Avenue, a normally peaceful residential block. Responding officers arrived within minutes to find Colon lying on the ground, gravely wounded from a gunshot.
Witnesses told police they heard multiple shots before seeing people running from the area. A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, described hearing “two loud bangs” and then “a young man screaming for help.”
Emergency medical personnel administered aid at the scene before transporting Colon to Rhode Island Hospital. Despite the efforts of doctors and trauma staff, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Rapid Arrest
Detectives immediately began canvassing the neighborhood, collecting surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, and interviewing witnesses. Winquist credited the community’s quick cooperation and the department’s investigative team for leading to a suspect within hours.
Monteiro was arrested in Fall River without incident on Tuesday morning. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other or disclosed the circumstances that led to the shooting. A firearm believed to have been used in the killing has been recovered and is undergoing ballistic testing.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Monteiro faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Discharging a firearm during a violent crime
- Carrying a pistol without a license
He was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston pending a probable cause hearing. Prosecutors say additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Community in Mourning
In Providence, Colon’s friends and family gathered Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil near his home. Dozens of people lit candles, released balloons, and shared memories of the 16-year-old, describing him as a respectful, lighthearted teen who loved playing basketball and spending time with friends.
“He was always smiling, always making jokes,” said one friend from school. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Family members, many overcome with emotion, called for justice and for an end to the senseless violence that has claimed the lives of so many young people in the area.
Broader Concerns
Colon’s killing is the latest in a troubling string of shootings involving teenagers in Rhode Island this year. Community leaders say the violence underscores a need for more youth outreach programs, better access to mental health support, and stronger measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
“This is more than just a police matter,” said one local pastor who attended the vigil. “It’s a community crisis, and it’s going to take all of us to change the direction we’re headed.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and whether others may have been involved. Detectives are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area Monday evening to contact Cranston Police at (401) 942-2211. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s website.
Chief Winquist stressed that while an arrest has been made, the case is far from over. “Our commitment is to ensure the victim’s family gets answers and justice,” he said. “We will not stop until every piece of this case is uncovered.”