Crime & Safety
RI Man Dead Hours After Being Accused Of Killing Wife: Reports
The man, Joseph Francis, had been facing charges of domestic violence murder and violation of a no-contact order, according to WCVB.
HOPKINTON, RI — A Rhode Island man who died in a car crash Saturday was actively trying to escape an arrest warrant for the killing of his estranged wife in Hopkinton just one day earlier, according to multiple reports.
The man, 45-year-old Joseph Francis, was speeding in his black Chevrolet Suburban as police attempted to stop him before his vehicle tumbled over and he was declared dead, NBC10 Boston reported.
The crash occurred after Francis "failed to negotiate" the intersection of Dawley Park Road and Nooseneck Hill Road, according to WCVB.
Find out what's happening in Across Rhode Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Francis's wife, 44-year-old Stephanie Francis, had been found dead of an apparent gunshot wound Friday morning at a home on Stubtown Road in Hopkinton, both outlets reported, citing state police.
Joseph Francis was facing charges of domestic violence murder and violation of a no-contact order, according to WCVB.
Find out what's happening in Across Rhode Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch reached out to Rhode Island State Police for more information.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
