A Providence man has been sentenced to 13 years in state prison for felony assault and firearms charges, according to an announcement by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. The sentencing took place in Providence County Superior Court, where Jashua Adames Torres was given a total of 22 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), with 13 years to serve and 22 years of probation.
The sentence follows a jury trial that concluded on May 29, 2024. Torres was found guilty of several charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and firing in a compact area.
Attorney General Neronha commented on the case stating, “This defendant’s willingness to use a deadly weapon so indiscriminately is as shocking as it is all-too common.” He emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for acts of gun violence to deter similar offenses in the future.
The incident occurred on July 23, 2022. Providence Police responded to reports of a shooting around Hartford Avenue at approximately 4:36 a.m., where they found the victim bleeding profusely. Officers provided medical aid before transporting him to Rhode Island Hospital. The victim reported being targeted in an attempted robbery but did not provide further details.
Police investigation led them back to Bodell Avenue where they encountered four male subjects, including Torres. Surveillance footage from the Providence Public Housing Authority showed an argument between Torres and the victim before Torres fired his handgun at the victim.
Following their review of surveillance and body-worn camera footage, police arrested Torres on July 24, 2022.
Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez Jr. expressed gratitude towards his department's efforts stating, “I want to thank the men and women of the Providence Police Department for their tireless efforts to bring violent criminal offenders to justice.”
Special Assistant Attorneys General Michael S. McCabe and Jonathan E. Burke from the Office of the Attorney General along with Detective Raymond Majeau from Providence Police were key figures in leading this investigation and prosecution.