A Providence man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison after he was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting and killing a man at Roque’s Café in Providence in 2021.
Juan Rivera, 37, was found guilty of murder and carrying a pistol without a license in March. During the trial, prosecutors said Rivera walked into the restaurant on September 25, 2021, and shot Jorge Garcia six times, killing him.
Investigators were able to identify two cars that were connected to the shooting through video surveillance. Police said the suspect’s car was a maroon Toyota Corolla and a black Dodge Ram.
According to the video, the Corolla was parked at Wiggin Village when the driver of the Dodge got out and went into the Corolla. Then, the two cars drove to Roque’s Café where the suspect shot Garcia and then ran back to Wiggin Village to get away.
Detectives said they were able to obtain a picture of the suspect before the murder that was taken in a cell phone photo. The suspect’s phone was also tracked to Broad Street, where Roque’s restaurant is located.
“Frequent gun violence can desensitize us to the gut-wrenching stories of loss and trauma caused by firearms,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha. “However, we must remain resolute in our efforts to prevent further tragedies and protect our communities and hold accountable those who commit such violence. I can only hope this sentencing brings the victim’s family a measure of peace. And I thank the Providence Police for their partnership in this case and so many others.”
The two life sentences will run consecutively.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
