Providence man charged with murdering friend - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Providence man charged with murdering friend

Andrea Medeiros

amedeiros@abc6.com

It was quite a scene, Monday, in front of Providence Superior Court, as emotions were running very high. A murder suspect was charged with killing his friend outside a Providence auto shop, back in June.

More than 20 state and local officers were there protecting both of the men's families from each other.

Jovani Torres is locked up after months of running from the law. He's facing murder charges after police arrested him in Florida.

"The fact that he is behind bars is some kind of relief, but is it going to heal the pain," said the victim's sister Delores Taveras, "It's not bringing my brother back."

Taveras said her brother, Ivan, was gunned down with his five year old son nearby. Surveillance video showed the two friends fighting before Torres pulled out a gun.

 "I do believe that it stemmed from some prior problem that other family members of either side were involved in and death threats., that kind of thing," said Defense Attorney Paul Dimaio.

Dozens of family members on both sides divided the court room, Monday. Police were making sure they went out different exits of the downtown courthouse, saying this is a very emotional case.

"It was a great loss to us," said Taveras, "I mean, nothing is ever going to replace my brother. My brother is the biggest loss here."

Authorities are saying there is a gang connection.