15-year-old shot in Central Falls has died, police investigating

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — The 15-year-old shot in Central Falls yesterday has died from her injuries, according to police.

Officials said the girl passed away around 3:30 a.m. Friday morning at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Police and fire personnel responded to a Earle Street home at 8:50 a.m. Thursday to find the girl with an apparent gun shot wound.

Officials said circumstances which led to this incident is a part of a criminal investigation.

“The department extends its deepest condolences to the family. At this time again we can state there is no danger to the community and the investigation continues to develop rapidly and the release of any further information at this time could be detrimental to the case. As soon as we can release more information we will update,” said Major Christopher Reed in a statement.

“I’m heartbroken by the news that a young girl was shot in our city today. My heart aches for her and her family as they face this unimaginable pain, and I am praying with all my heart for her recovery,” said Mayor Maria Rivera in a statement yesterday.

“As a mother and your mayor, I’ve fought tirelessly to make our streets safer and prevent these senseless acts of violence. But today is a reminder that we still have so much work to do,” she said.

In a letter to students and parents, Superintendent Stephanie Downey Toledo said she was heartbroken to inform the community that a Central Falls High School Warror had passed away.

“The high school staff, in direct communication with my office and the student services team has met to discuss how to best support one another at this time,” she said.

“To ensure students and staff have support readily available, we have arranged for counselors from across the district to assist our community in processing this tragedy,” she added.

Counselors will be made present today and will continue to be made available to help anyone who needs it.

In addition, the school will be partnering with RI Responds and RI Behavioral Health Medical Reserve Corps.

“Our job now is to support students, staff and members of the community who are grieving. We will get this through as a community,” she said, signing it “in memory of our lost Warrior.”

If anyone has any information or witnessed the incident, they can contact the Central Falls Police Department at (401) 727-7411 or the TIPS line at (401) 727-7420.