A Newport man has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison for the stabbing death of Maximus Julian, which occurred at a house party in 2021. Tyrese Poulsen, aged 22, pleaded nolo contendere to one count of manslaughter during a hearing on November 13, 2024, before Superior Court Justice Stephen P. Nugent. The court handed down the maximum sentence for manslaughter in Rhode Island.
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha commented on the case: “While justice has been served here, to the extent that is possible, the victim and his family received the worst sentence of all.” He further stated that Poulsen's actions were over a "petty fistfight," robbing Julian of his life without reason. Neronha expressed gratitude towards the Newport Police Department and prosecutors involved in this case.
The incident took place on May 29, 2021, at an Airbnb rental property on Thames Street in Newport. According to evidence prepared by the State for trial, Poulsen stabbed Julian during a physical altercation after retrieving a knife from the kitchen. The police responded early on May 30 and found Julian with stab wounds; he later died from these injuries at Rhode Island Hospital on June 1.
The Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed that blood found on a knife at the scene matched Julian’s DNA. On June 3, Poulsen turned himself into Newport Police.
Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy condemned such violence: “This kind of senseless violence will never be tolerated in our community.” He offered condolences to Julian’s family and thanked those who helped bring about justice.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Batista and Special Assistant Attorney General Allison Stackpole led the prosecution with Detective Joseph Lavallee from Newport Police handling investigations.