Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Providence man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve two consecutive life sentences at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for the murder of 38-year-old Jorge Garcia at Roque’s Café in Providence in 2021.
At a hearing on July 2, 2024, before Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers, the court sentenced Juan Rivera (age 37) to consecutive life sentences for first-degree murder and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, resulting in death. Additionally, Judge Rodgers deemed the defendant a habitual offender and imposed an additional 10-year consecutive sentence, the first five years of which are non-parole eligible.
On March 15, 2024, following the conclusion of a 14-day trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of one count of murder; one count of conspiracy to commit murder; one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, resulting in death; one count of carrying a pistol without a license; one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.
“Frequent gun violence can desensitize us to the gut-wrenching stories of loss and trauma caused by firearms,” said Attorney General Neronha. “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. And I thank the Providence Police for their partnership in this case and so many others.”
During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on September 25, 2021, at approximately 8:56 AM., a masked person wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with distinct white lettering walked into Roque’s Café and shot Garcia six times.
In subsequent days, investigators obtained video surveillance from various locations around Roque’s Café. They seized footage from Wiggin Village, Jones Moving Company, Pearl Street Lofts, and other nearby establishments to piece together Rivera's movements before and after the shooting.
The footage identified two vehicles involved: a maroon Toyota Corolla and a black Dodge Ram. The video showed these vehicles meeting prior to the shooting when Rivera exited his truck to enter another vehicle. The Corolla was later seen at Wiggin Village where both individuals exited it minutes before heading towards Roque’s Café.
Surveillance captured Rivera running back to Wiggin Village after committing the act before re-entering his vehicle and driving away. Investigators conducted forensic analysis on Rivera's cell phone tracking his location from his residence to Broad Street near Roque’s Café at time frame coinciding with Garcia's murder.
A photo taken prior also showed Rivera wearing clothing matching what was captured by surveillance cameras during Garcia's killing.
“Senseless violence reverberates through our communities," said Providence Police Colonel Oscar L Perez Jr., "and those who perpetrate these acts must continue being removed off streets preventing them from recurring." He added hoping that sentencing provides some comfort while commending officers' diligent work alongside partners within Attorney General Office
Assistant Attorney General Robert E Johnson along with Detective Sergeant Terence Greene & Detectives Michael Otrando(ret.), Matthew Nadeau Edward Regine Theodore Michael(ret.) led investigation prosecution efforts throughout case duration.
###