Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced today that a Providence County Superior Court jury found Dari Garcia (age 27), of Providence, guilty of the August 17, 2014 home invasion and murder of Richard Catalano.
The jury found Garcia guilty on all 14 counts including one count of murder, one count of discharging a firearm resulting in murder, one count of burglary, one count of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence (burglary), three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, one count of use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, one count of felony assault, one count of carrying a firearm without a license, one count of possession of a firearm while being previously convicted of a crime of violence, one count of an altered serial number of a firearm, and one count of committing a crime of violence with a stolen firearm.
The jury returned the verdict after deliberating two hours after a two-week trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Netti C. Vogel.
During the trial, the State proved that on August 17, 2014, Dari Garcia conspired with Victor Hernandez and Viclei Hernandez to rob Richard Catalano at his residence in North Providence.
The three men drove to Catalano's residence in North Providence. Upon arrival, Dari Garcia and Victor Hernandez exited the vehicle and approached the residence while Viclei remained in the vehicle. The State would have proven that when Garcia kicked in the door of the residence, Victor went back to the vehicle where he and Viclei drove off, leaving Garcia behind in the residence, where it is he shot and killed Richard Catalano and shot and seriously injured Lorie Catalano.
North Providence Police reported to the residence on Eliot Avenue in response to a call for a home invasion and shots fired. Upon arrival, officers met Christopher Tamelleo, who advised officers that a black male entered the residence with a gun and that the suspect was still in or around the residence.
North Providence Police located Dari Garcia in the bedroom of the residence suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and treated for his injuries.
Mr. Richard Catalano was pronounced dead at the scene by North Providence Fire personnel. Lorie Catalano was discovered to be bleeding from a gunshot wound and appeared to be missing a portion of her finger, which was later determined to have been bitten off by the defendant. She was transported to the Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.
Co-conspirators Viclei and Victor Hernandez previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the murder and burglary.
Victor Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. Under the terms of the plea, he was sentenced to 60 years with 40 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation, and was ordered to have no contact with the victims.
Viclei Hernandez also pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. He is awaiting sentencing.
North Providence Detective Tom Jones led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Laskowski and Matthew LaMountain prosecuted the case on behalf of the Attorney General.