City’s first homicide since last Christmas
EAST PROVIDENCE — The cause of death for two individuals believed to have been involved in a murder-suicide last Tuesday has been confirmed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH).
#According to DOH spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth, Amber Arruda, 28, died from gunshot wounds to the trunk. Jeffrey Arruda, 30, died from a gunshot wound to the trunk. Both were discovered by police last week inside their Hazard Avenue home after a report had come in earlier that morning from a family member not living at the residence.
#At the time, police said the matter was being investigated as a murder-suicide. Earlier this week, Police Chief Joseph Tavares said that further investigation into the incident has confirmed this initial belief.
#Chief Tavares said that in dealing with a domestic homicide, police always look at a household’s history, to see if police had ever previously been called to the residence. In this case, Chief Tavares said there was no history of police being called to the Hazard Avenue home. He also said the police department has a domestic advocate to work specifically with domestic violence issues.
#In response to the event, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Rhode Island Kristin Lyons and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence Deborah DeBare issued a joint statement on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
#“Our hearts go out to the children, family, friends and community of Amber and Jeffrey Arruda. We are horrified and saddened by this apparent act of domestic violence. Their tragic deaths are a harsh reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence in Rhode Island. Our hearts break for the sons of the Arruda family, who will be forever impacted by losing both of their parents to domestic violence at such a young age,” reads the release.
#“Though not much has yet been released about the deaths of the Arrudas, the laws in Rhode Island are clear. Any act of violence between intimate partners in our state is classified as domestic violence under law. This tragedy reminds us that while not all domestic violence is reported, there is always a history. Victims often experience months or years of emotional, physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their intimate partner without ever having called the police.
#“It is not surprising to us when neighbors or co-workers are shocked that such a horrible thing could happen in their community. However, we know that domestic violence does not discriminate. It happens in all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island and crosses every race, ethnicity, income bracket, age-range and education level. Furthermore, abusers often show a very different face to the outside world than they do to their victims.
#The release continues that this recent incident is a reminder of the “extreme dangers” that stem from having a gun in the home. Since 1980, the release states 50 percent of all domestic violence deaths in Rhode Island have been caused by firearms.
#“We know that one of the most dangerous times for domestic violence victims is when they decide to leave the relationship. However, help is available in our state for all victims, and with services we hope that lives can be saved. There are six local domestic violence agencies in our state that provide a wide array of services, including 24 hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups and assistance with the legal system. If you or someone you know needs support, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100.”
#Prior to last week, the most recent homicide in East Providence came last Christmas day when 35-year-old Staria Silva was found dead in her Fifth Street home. Raymond Grundy, 35, father of two infant twins with Ms. Silva, was arrested that same day. To date, Chief Tavares said no homicide charges have been filed in connection with the event as the state crime lab continues to examine evidence relating to the case. At this time, however, Chief Tavares said Mr. Grundy remains the only suspect.
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