Suspect in cemetery killing previously convicted of manslaughter

By: Melissa Randall

mrandall@abc6.com

@MRandallABC6

Yellow caution tape and the Rhode Island State Police mobile crime lab were unusual sights for people who came to the Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton Tuesday to pay their respects.

“It’s very sad. Especially knowing it’s elderly people that were involved,” said Irene Correia who visits the cemetery often.

The headstones were the scene of a murder Monday evening. The shooter was identified by authorities as Edward Acquisto, 80, of Tiverton. The victim is John Cloud, 81, of Kingston, Mass.

Tiverton Police Chief Tom Blakey says there is no threat to the community.

“This was not a random act. The victim and the suspect knew each other. It was a pre–arranged meeting,” he told reporters outside of the police station.

People were in the cemetery as the events unfolded. Others who live adjacent to the grave yard were also outside and witnessed the aftermath. Police say they were the ones to initially call 911, at which point a pursuit ensued. Police say Acquisto drove to nearby Fall River, Mass. and then doubled back to Tiverton where the chase ended.

“The suspect exited the vehicle and fired up on the officers. The officers returned fire,” said Chief Daniel Racine of the Fall River Police Department.

Acquisto was killed by officers in front of a house on Ford Farm Road. The residential street is located right across from where the first shooting took place.

State and local police spent hours at both crime scenes as they gathered evidence and talked to people who knew the men. No motive has been given at this time.  

“We’re putting that together and that’s part of our investigation. To try and determine what led up to the shooting incident,” explained Capt. Matthew Moynihan.

ABC6 news has learned that this was not the first time Acquisto had been in trouble with the law. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office his rap sheet includes a life sentence for sexually assaulting his ex–girlfriend in 1979, and another 10 years for the beating death of a Woonsocket man. Aquisto was paroled in 2003.

People who live in the same neighborhood as Aquisto say they are confused and horrified by the news.

“He looked very delicate. Very fragile,” said Jean Medieoros who resides next door.  “I just can’t get over this. I’m shocked!”

The 5 officers involved in the shoot out have been placed on paid administrative while the incident is investigated.

© WLNE-TV 2016