Derell Johnson Charged with Murdering Cranston Woman

The accused killer of 21-year-old Briana Giorgio of Cranston appeared in District Court on Monday to face a murder charge for allegedly shooting her dead as she sat in her car on Webster Avenue in Providence on April 1.

Derell Johnson, 21, was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston after appearing in court following his arrest by Providence Police.

Johnson is due to appear in Superior Court later Monday to face a judge for violating his probation. He is currently serving a 5-year deferred sentence for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and reckless driving. He pleaded no contest to that charge on Feb. 4.

Giorgio left behind her parents, a sister, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be buried on Wednesday in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

Giorgio’s murder was the city of Providence’s second homicide of the year. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said in a statement that the police department should be commended for their swift investigation and “we will not rest in our efforts to bring justice in the wake of this senseless tragedy.”