Central Falls man accused of murdering girlfriend appears in court

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

A Central Falls man on the run from police for well over a year is back in Rhode Island. Percy Abbott, who was once one of Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives, was arrested last month in New York. He was wanted for brutally beating his wife to death in 2016.

Abbott was extradited to Rhode Island and on Thursday, he faced a judge. He’s charged with second degree domestic murder.

Police say Abbott beat his girlfriend, 48-year-old Sherry Price Mann, so badly she died from her injuries.

It happened in January of 2016 at their home on Sumner Avenue in Central Falls.

"I felt like a weight was lifted from me when the lieutenant told me they got him,” said Latoya Moseley, Mann’s sister.

ABC6 caught up with Mann’s family moments after Abbott was arrested by U.S. Marshals in New York City in March.

"I can’t even put into words it’s just crazy. I still wake up and think this is a dream,” said Maria Jones, Mann’s daughter.

Some of Mann’s family was in court Thursday, watching as Abbott was arraigned. He entered a not guilty plea and was ordered held without bail.

"I’m glad that finally she will get her justice it has been a year too long,” said Lisa Pereira, Mann’s daughter.

Abbott is due back in court later this month for a bail hearing.

© WLNE-TV 2017