Hopkinton crash victim was wanted by police for allegedly killing wife

HOPKINTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island State Police said that the driver of a car who died after crashing on Route 3 in Richmond on July 6 was wanted for allegedly shooting and killing his estranged wife.

45-year-old Joseph Francis was wanted by police for charges including domestic violence – murder and domestic violence – violating no contact order.

Francis allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife, 44-year-old Stephanie Francis, late on July 5.

Police were searching for Francis when they spotted him driving his car in both Westerly and Charlestown around 11 a.m. on July 6.

Police officers from Charlestown and Richmond attempted to stop the vehicle, but Francis allegedly attempted to flee.

He failed to turn at the intersection of Dawley Park Road and Nooseneck Hill Road and rolled his vehicle.

Police said that Francis was found dead in the car, which had landed on its roof.

His cause of death is pending autopsy results.