WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Authorities in Woonsocket have identified the three individuals who were tragically killed in a horrific shooting that took place Monday evening inside an apartment on Rathbun Street. Police confirmed that the victims were 40-year-old Kimberly Pieranuzi, 45-year-old Donald Roderick Jr., and 24-year-old Sean Rivera, all of whom died from gunshot wounds.
According to the Woonsocket Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 6:45 p.m. at 411 Rathbun Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the three victims inside the apartment. Investigators later determined that the residence was occupied by Pieranuzi, her boyfriend Roderick, Pieranuzi’s 19-year-old daughter, and the daughter’s boyfriend, Rivera. What began as a domestic dispute quickly escalated into deadly violence.
Police say that Rivera and Pieranuzi’s daughter had been arguing about their relationship when Rivera pulled out a firearm and demanded sexual favors. The 19-year-old told authorities that she was sexually assaulted before escaping to her mother’s room for help. Rivera followed and fatally shot Pieranuzi during the confrontation. The young woman managed to flee the apartment and run to a nearby business, where she called for help.
Moments later, Roderick returned home from work and walked into the chaos. According to investigators, Rivera then turned the gun on Roderick, killing him before taking his own life. Responding officers later recovered the firearm, which was found to have been reported stolen from Maine. Police confirmed that Rivera acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The violent incident has shocked the Woonsocket community, leaving neighbors and residents grieving the loss of two innocent lives. “It’s heartbreaking to think something like this could happen here,” one resident said, recalling the sound of gunshots and flashing police lights that filled the quiet street. Law enforcement officials have since offered support to the surviving victim and her family as the investigation continues.
Police say the case remains open as detectives work to piece together the full sequence of events and the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Authorities emphasized the importance of domestic violence awareness and urged anyone struggling in an unsafe relationship to seek help immediately. The Woonsocket Police Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the tragedy “a deeply painful reminder of how quickly domestic conflicts can turn deadly.”
