News Summary
Skyla Gilroy, a 24-year-old from Cranston, has been sentenced to four years in prison following her conviction for a fatal hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 51-year-old Donald Boss. The incident occurred in December, where Gilroy struck Boss with her vehicle and fled the scene. In addition to her prison time, she will serve two years of home confinement and has lost her driver’s license for three years. This case highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving.
Cranston – Skyla Gilroy, a 24-year-old woman from Cranston, has been sentenced to four years in prison for her role in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 51-year-old Donald Boss in December 2020. In addition to her prison term, the court has ordered Gilroy to serve two years of home confinement, during which she must remain under strict supervision.
According to the court records, Gilroy was found guilty of driving to endanger resulting in death and failure to stop after being involved in an accident that resulted in death. These convictions stemmed from an incident on December 22, 2020, on Airport Road in Warwick, where Gilroy struck Boss with her vehicle before fleeing the scene, leaving him critically injured.
The jury’s verdict was delivered in March 2023, following a trial that examined the events surrounding the hit-and-run. As part of her sentencing, Gilroy has also been stripped of her driver’s license for three years and is required to undergo a mental health evaluation.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred when Warwick police responded to a report of a man being struck by a vehicle in the early evening. Investigations revealed that Boss was at the location with two other individuals, reportedly intending to buy drugs. An argument broke out between Boss and Gilroy, who was seated in her vehicle at the time.
As Boss approached her vehicle, he attempted to cling to it while Gilroy began to drive away. This led to Boss being dragged along the ground, where he eventually fell off. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries soon after the incident took place.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Two months later, authorities arrested Gilroy in Arizona after a nationwide manhunt, and she was extradited back to Rhode Island to stand trial. Surveillance footage captured the event, confirming that Gilroy was driving a blue Nissan Rogue at the time of the collision.
Gilroy faced serious charges, each carrying significant potential sentences. Driving to endanger resulting in death can carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years, while failure to stop after an accident resulting in death can lead to anywhere from a minimum of two to a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Impact of the Sentencing
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability in situations involving vehicular fatalities. With the case concluding, both the court and the victims’ families hope that this ruling might bring some form of closure, although the tragedy itself remains a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise from driving under distressing circumstances.
As Gilroy begins her four-year sentence, the community reflects on the impact of the event, which has reverberated through the area since the day of the incident. Both law enforcement and community members continue to emphasize the need for safety and responsibility on the roads, thereby hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- ABC 6 News
- Google Search: Cranston hit-and-run
- WPRI News
- Google Scholar: Hit-and-run accidents
- ABC 6 News (Sentencing)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular homicide
- Patch News
- Google News: Hit-and-run news
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
