A Rhode Island man has been sentenced for his involvement in two gang-related shootings that occurred in March 2023. On May 1, 2025, Neftaly Sanchez, aged 27, was sentenced by Superior Court Justice Maureen B. Keough in Providence Superior Court to 30 years, with 20 years to be served at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI). Five of these years are non-parolable, and the remaining time will be spent on probation.
Previously, on February 3, 2025, Sanchez had pleaded nolo contendere to multiple charges. These included four counts of felony assault, two of firearm discharge not leading to injury, carrying a pistol without a license, conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon, firearm discharge from a vehicle, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and firearm possession while possessing a controlled substance. His actions were found to be in furtherance of the Chad Brown street gang, enhancing his sentence under the Criminal Street Gang enhancement.
In relation to the case, co-defendant Isaiah Isom, aged 20, was sentenced on February 17, 2025, to 22 years, with 12 years to serve at the ACI followed by 22 years of probation, for his involvement in one of the shootings.
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha commented, "On more than one occasion, this defendant demonstrated that he is a very real threat to public safety." He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who engage in serious gang and gun-related crimes, thanking the Providence Police Department and the ATF for their role in the investigation.
The State had prepared to prove that Sanchez participated in two shootings in Providence on March 12 and March 16, 2023, during which he possessed narcotics with the intent to distribute.
The first shooting on March 12 involved Sanchez allegedly shooting at three victims, including a young boy, before escaping in a black Hyundai. Surveillance and cell phone data linked him to the crime scene. This incident was tied to a gang feud between East Side and Chad Brown gangs.
The second shooting on March 16 occurred at North Main and Olney Streets and involved gunfire between two vehicles. A white SUV, occupied by the defendants, was reported firing at a blue SUV, resulting in damage to a bystander's vehicle.
Sanchez was arrested on April 11 after an investigation by the Providence Police Intelligence, Organized Crime Bureau, and the ATF. At the time of his arrest, multiple firearms, ammunition, currency, and narcotics were found at his residence.
Providence Police Chief Oscar L. Perez, Jr. stated, “I want to thank our detectives and the Attorney General’s Office for their tireless investigative efforts in this case. Gun violence will not be tolerated in our community, and I am grateful that justice has been served.”
The case was investigated and prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorneys General Edward G. Mulaney and John F. Kilpatrick, Detective Matthew McGloin of the Providence Police Department, and Special Agent Anthony Ventetuolo of the ATF.