News Summary
Neftaly Sanchez, a 27-year-old from Providence, received a 30-year prison sentence for his involvement in two gang-related shootings in March 2023. The court found his actions, including firing at a 9-year-old child, to be a significant threat to public safety. Sanchez pleaded nolo contendere to multiple charges, and his sentencing is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat gang violence in the city.
Providence – Neftaly Sanchez, a 27-year-old resident of Providence, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison stemming from his involvement in two gang-related shootings in March 2023. The sentence comprises 20 years in state prison, five of which are non-parolable, along with an additional 30 years of probation following his release.
Sanchez pleaded nolo contendere to multiple charges that include four counts of felony assault, two counts of discharging a firearm not resulting in injury, carrying a pistol without a license, conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and possessing a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance.
The shootings were linked to ongoing conflicts between the East Side and Chad Brown street gangs, with the Superior Court finding that Sanchez acted on behalf of the Chad Brown gang. The first shooting occurred on March 12, 2023, in which he shot at three victims, one of whom was a 9-year-old boy. Witnesses reported that the second incident unfolded four days later, on March 16, where Sanchez fired at a blue SUV while he was driving a white SUV.
Investigation Details
Police were alerted to the March 12 shooting at 10:44 a.m. and subsequently discovered evidence tying Sanchez to the crime. Surveillance footage showed him making a phone call and departing in a rented black Hyundai shortly after the shooting. Further investigations revealed a significant quantity of drugs at his residence, including nearly 61 grams of cocaine, over 837 grams of marijuana, and prescription pills.
Text messages between Sanchez and co-defendant Isaiah Isom, who is 20 years old, were uncovered during the investigation, linking them to the planning and execution of the shootings. Isom has also been sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 22 years of probation for his role in one of the incidents.
Public Safety Concerns
U.S. Attorney Zachary Neronha described Sanchez as a “very real threat” to public safety, highlighting the importance of holding individuals accountable for gang-related violence. The severity of Sanchez’s actions, particularly the involvement of a child in the first shooting, raised alarm in the community and among law enforcement officials.
Context of Gang Violence
Gang violence continues to be an issue in Providence, with local authorities consistently working to address the tensions between rival gangs. The feud between the East Side and Chad Brown gangs has contributed to increased violence, posing risks to both innocent civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Law enforcement agencies are engaged in ongoing efforts to dismantle these gangs, focusing on investigations, arrests, and community outreach programs aimed at reducing gang-related activities and ensuring public safety. The conviction and sentencing of individuals like Neftaly Sanchez serve as a step towards accountability and deterrence in the fight against gang violence in the city.
The actions from March 2023 have sparked conversations among residents and officials alike as they seek to find solutions to the underlying issues contributing to gang culture and violence in Providence.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Neftaly Sanchez Pleads No Contest
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence
- GoLocalProv: Hooded Gunman Blasts 10 Shots
- Google Search: Providence Gang Shootings
- ABC6: Providence Man Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Gang Related Violence Providence
- Fall River Reporter: Rhode Island Man Sentenced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang
- Providence Journal: Witnesses Say Gunman Shot Woman
- Google News: Providence Shooting
