UPDATE: Teen arrested for murder of mother’s boyfriend, two others face charges

Amanda Pitts

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A 17-year-old boy was arrested for the murder of his mother’s boyfriend, Cranston Police announced early Wednesday evening.

The body of 24-year-old Valdez Loiseau, of Edgewood Avenue in Cranston, was found burned in the woods off Prescott Street in Attleboro, Mass. early Tuesday morning.

During the investigation, authorities discovered Loiseau lived with his girlfriend Melonie Perez, 35, and her 17-year-old son at the Edgewood residence, where Loiseau was last seen on Monday.

Perez and her son voluntarily went to the Cranston Police Department to be interviewed, where Perez’s son admitted he shot Loiseau, according to police.

The juvenile stated he shot Loiseau inside the residence after Loiseau and Perez got into a  physical altercation.

The teenage suspect then told officers he and his mother transported Loiseau’s body to Attleboro, placed it in a wooded area and subsequently set it on fire.

Cranston Police said when officers went inside the Cranston residence, a semi-automatic handgun and blood were discovered on the bottom of Perez’s shoes.

These discoveries led to investigators securing the residence and applying for a court-authorized search warrant.

Authorities recovered two handguns, as well as other items of possible evidentiary value, authorities said.

“This cooperative, multi-state effort led to the swift apprehension of the person believed to be responsible for a homicide in our city, as well as individuals who are alleged to have attempted to conceal the crime by attempting to hide evidence and transported the victim’s body to the State of Massachusetts,” said Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist.  

The following individuals have been charged with varying offenses:

17 year old juvenile:

  • Murder. (1st degree)
  • Use of a Firearm while Committing a Crime of Violence.
  • Compounding or Concealing a Felony.

(Subject will be remanded to the Rhode Island Training School)

Perez:

  • Compounding or Concealing a Felony
  • Report of Crimes to Law Enforcement Officials
  • Vandalism

Samantha Rastella, age 18, of Laurens Street, Cranston, RI

  • Compounding or Concealing a Felony
  • Report of Crimes to Law Enforcement Officials

Another 17 year old juvenile, from Cranston:

  • Possession of Ammunition by a Minor

(Released to a parent to be petitioned to the Rhode Island Family Court)

It is unknown what Rastella’s or the 2nd juveile’s connection is to the murder at this time.

Perez and Rastella were arraigned and released on $10,000 personal recognizance.

The juvenile is set to be arraigned in Providence Family Court on Thursday.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017

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