Names Released in Rhode Island Homicide and Fatal Swansea Pursuit Crash
SWANSEA, MA / PAWTUCKET, RI — Law enforcement officials have released the identities of those involved in the violent series of events that began with a fatal shooting in Rhode Island and ended in a catastrophic double-fatal car accident in Swansea, Massachusetts, early Friday morning.
The suspect in the initial homicide has been identified as 28-year-old Demitri Sousa, of Seekonk, Massachusetts. The victim of the earlier shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has been identified as 31-year-old Thomas Lawson.
The Homicide and Pursuit The investigation began just after 8:00 PM on Thursday when Pawtucket Police responded to reports of a shooting. Investigators developed Sousa as the primary suspect, alleging a "prior dispute" between him and Lawson involving a mutual acquaintance.
Hours later, at approximately 12:15 AM on Friday, Swansea Police spotted Sousa’s vehicle—a white 2013 Infiniti G37—traveling at a "very high rate of speed" on Route 6.
The Fatal Collision Moments after the sighting, Sousa’s vehicle broadsided a blue 2022 Subaru Ascent at the intersection of Route 6 and Route 136. The impact caused the Subaru to burst into flames.
The Victims: The two occupants of the Subaru, a man and a woman, were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. While their names have not been formally released pending extended family notifications, they are described by officials as innocent bystanders.
The Suspect: Demitri Sousa was taken into custody at the crash site and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. He remains under police guard and is expected to survive to face charges including murder and various motor vehicle offenses.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings Sousa is facing a murder charge in Rhode Island and is expected to face several felony motor vehicle charges in Massachusetts related to the deaths of the two bystanders.
"This is a senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of two innocent people because of the violent actions of one individual," stated Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. "Our hearts go out to the families of all the victims involved."