Two Rhode Island men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Leila Duarte DaLuz, the victim found at Carbuncle Pond, as announced by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. On March 28, 2025, Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos delivered the sentence to Michael Lambert and Gary Gromkiewicz, adding 10 more years for their role in the murder and conspiracy to murder DaLuz.
After a 10-day trial concluding on January 17, 2025, both men were found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Separate juries were convened for each defendant.
“Today’s sentencing is a just conclusion to a truly devastating case,” Attorney General Neronha stated, emphasizing the need for focus on victims and their families as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week approaches. He expressed gratitude for the diligent work of the juries and the Rhode Island State Police in this case.
The crime occurred on December 21, 2022. Evidence presented at trial showed Lambert and Gromkiewicz assaulted DaLuz, leaving her to drown in Carbuncle Pond. Cell phone data and surveillance footage tracked the defendants as they picked up DaLuz, Gromkiewicz’s pregnant ex-girlfriend, in Brockton, Massachusetts, and drove through Rhode Island, stopping in several locations including Warwick and Lincoln.
DaLuz was found under the ice by a fisherman, showing signs of blunt force trauma, with evidence indicating she was alive upon entering the pond.
The case was investigated and prosecuted by Stephen Dambruch and John Corrigan from the Attorney General's Office, along with Detectives Corporal Robert Hopkins and James Hudson from the Rhode Island State Police.