Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced the sentencing of a Glocester man, Ryan Gallagher, to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the shooting death of Taylor Peterson in June 2021. The Newport County Superior Court issued the sentence on February 26, 2025.
Superior Court Justice Richard D. Raspallo sentenced Gallagher, age 31, to a total of 25 years with 12 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) and an additional 25 years on probation. The court also mandated forfeiture of the firearm involved and ordered substance abuse counseling for Gallagher.
The defendant had previously pleaded nolo contendere to one count of manslaughter on July 25, 2024. Attorney General Neronha commented on the case: “Gun violence comes in many forms, but always yields pain for victims and their families.” He emphasized that Gallagher's negligence led to an avoidable tragedy and expressed hope that Peterson’s family finds closure with this accountability.
The incident occurred on June 12, 2021, when Gallagher brought a loaded handgun into a bathroom where Peterson was folding laundry. The gun discharged unintentionally, fatally wounding her. Following the incident, Gallagher called emergency services reporting an accidental shooting.
After an investigation lasting over a year, the Providence County Grand Jury indicted Gallagher for second-degree murder on December 9, 2022. This charge was later amended to manslaughter.
Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement and expressed hope that this case serves as a reminder for responsible firearm handling: “My hope is that this tragedy encourages others to use caution when handling firearms.”
Stephen Dambruch from the Criminal Division and Assistant Attorney General Mark Benjamin led the prosecution alongside Investigator Matthew Floor and Sergeant Daniel Lefebvre from the Glocester Police Department with support from Rhode Island State Police.