PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that a Providence man was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for the murder of a 38-year-old at a restaurant in 2021.
According to prosecutors, 37-year-old Juan Rivera of Providence was given life sentences for first-degree murder and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime in violence, resulting in death.
The sentencing hearing was held on Tuesday. The attorney general’s office said Rivera was found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and a slew of firearms charges this March.
“Frequent gun violence can desensitize us to the gut-wrenching stories of loss and trauma caused by firearms,” Neronha said. “However, we must remain resolute in our efforts to prevent further tragedies and protect our communities and hold accountable those who commit such violence. I can only hope this sentencing brings the victim’s family a measure of peace.”
According to prosecutors, a masked person wearing a black hooded sweatshirt walked into Roque’s Café in Providence on Sept. 25, 2021, and shot and killed Jorge Garcia.
A review of surrounding surveillance footage and forensic analysis of Rivera’s phone led to his arrest, officials said.