Providence man given life sentence for 2021 murder

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha announced today that a Providence man was sentenced to serve consecutive life sentences for the 2021 murder of a Smithfield man.

According to police, Johnny Xakosy, 33, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, followed by a consecutive five-year sentence to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

Officials said on April 22, 2021, just before midnight, 31-year-old Nikolas DiPanni of Smithfield was shot on Indiana Avenue, over a dispute regarding drugs.

DiPanni was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died officials said.

Court documents said Xakosy was found guilty of second-degree murder and discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death.