Man who killed woman, buried her in Cranston sentenced

January 31, 2018 5:45 pm

By: Rachael Perry

Email: rperry@abc6.com

Twitter: @RachaelABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A man is looking at life in prison after being sentenced for the gruesome killing of a Fall River woman in Providence Superior Court.

James Lombardi, 33, waived indictment and plead guilty to the murder of 29-year-old Krystal Boswell back in April 2017. He was sentenced to life in prison, with an additional two years as a habitual offender Wednesday afternoon.

“Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on April 1, 2017, Lombardi killed Boswell in the bedroom of his residence on Wakefield Avenue in Cranston by striking her in the head with a hammer and strangling her,” said the Attorney General’s Office in a press release.

“He then attempted to cover up the crime by burying her body in the yard of a vacant home on Preston Avenue in Cranston.”

Back on April 1st, Boswell’s family reported her missing, telling police she was last seen with Lombardi.

But it wasn’t until an anonymous tip came through saying Lombardi admitted he killed Boswell, that police were able to locate her body.

Lombardi admitted to burying Boswell in the yard of a home on Preston Avenue, officials said.

According to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, Boswell died of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

“Krystal’s family had to endure the unbearable pain of first not knowing where she was, and then to learn of her violent and senseless death. It is my sincerest hope that they find some peace with today’s plea,” said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.