A gang-related drive-by shooting murder in Pawtucket in 2021, has resulted in a life sentence for a Providence man.
Jahcolin Rodrigues, aged 23, received a sentence of life imprisonment plus an additional 20 years for the brutal murder of Leonardo Tavares. The verdict was delivered in Providence County Superior Court.
On August 15, Rodrigues pleaded guilty to committing first-degree murder and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.
While driving through Pawtucket on May 15, 2021, Rodrigues had an encounter with Tavares.
Witnesses positively identified Rodrigues as the perpetrator of the incident based on video surveillance footage obtained by the Pawtucket police.
The defendant believed that the victim was a member of the Bucket West street gang, which led to the murder as a result of an ongoing feud.
Todd Alicea, a 30-year-old resident of Pawtucket, has been charged with murder, conspiracy, and other offenses in connection with the incident.