October 25, 2025

Providence Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder

News Summary

Luis Sepulveda was found guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Angel Rodriguez during a Mother’s Day party in Providence. The shooting stemmed from a physical altercation that escalated, resulting in multiple charges against Sepulveda. Law enforcement officials apprehended him shortly after the incident, and forensic evidence linked him to the crime. This case underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the area.

Providence

Luis Sepulveda, 53, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of 44-year-old Angel Rodriguez during a Mother’s Day party in Providence, 2023. The jury delivered the verdict after a seven-day trial, convicting Sepulveda of multiple charges, including discharge of a firearm resulting in death, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, among others.

The tragic incident occurred on May 14, 2023, at a celebration on Manton Avenue, where a dispute between Sepulveda and Rodriguez escalated. Although the two had argued earlier in the day, they had put the disagreement behind them. However, tensions flared again during the party, leading to a physical altercation in the garage. During this confrontation, Sepulveda retrieved a firearm from his bag and fired two shots into the air before fatally shooting Rodriguez in the chest.

After the shooting, Sepulveda fled the scene in a grey minivan. Officers from the Rhode Island State Police apprehended him on Route 95 South. During the stop, law enforcement discovered a handgun in the driver’s door of Sepulveda’s vehicle. Additionally, five shell casings were recovered at the scene of the crime.

In the subsequent police interrogation, Sepulveda admitted to firing the weapon. A ballistic analysis confirmed that the casings found at the crime scene matched the firearm located in his vehicle. Moreover, a primer gunshot residue analysis indicated that Sepulveda had gunshot residue on his hands, and DNA analysis identified his DNA on the firearm used in the fatal shooting.

Emergency services found Rodriguez lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest shortly after 11 a.m. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital approximately half an hour after the incident.

This case comes amid ongoing discussions regarding gun violence and public safety in the region. The guilty verdict against Sepulveda highlights the serious legal consequences associated with gun-related offenses, particularly in cases that involve fatal outcomes.

As the community continues to grapple with the impact of this tragedy, the awareness of the implications of firearm misuse is more pronounced than ever. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with domestic disputes escalating into violent confrontations.

The court’s ruling sends a clear message regarding accountability in incidents involving firearms, as well as the need for preventative measures to be taken in similar domestic conflict situations.

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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.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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