Accused Killer Captured After Fatal Crash, Cranston Cops Say

CRANSTON, RI — A Massachusetts killer shot a Cranston man to death through the door of his home and was captured following a fatal crash across the state line, police said.

Javon Lawson, 35, was gunned down in his Legion Way home about 8:30 p.m. Friday, the Cranston Police Department said in a media release.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that individuals inside the residence heard banging at a side door," the release said.

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"When Mr. Lawson approached the door, multiple gunshots were fired from outside the residence, striking him," according to the release. "Evidence recovered at the scene included shell casings located both inside and outside the side entrance."

Lawson was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence where he died shortly after 9 p.m., according to the release.

"Officers immediately canvassed the area and obtained surveillance video from nearby residences," the release said. "Video footage showed a male subject wearing dark clothing and a mask walking toward the residence moments before the shooting and fleeing immediately afterward. The individual was observed running to a white Infiniti sedan parked on Aetna Street, which then left the area."

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A Flock Security camera located the Infiniti, which was registered to Demitri Sousa, 28, of Seekonk, heading north on Route 10 from Reservoir Avenue and then in Fall River and Westport, Massachusetts, according to the release.

"Witness interviews and further investigation developed Mr. Sousa as the primary suspect in the shooting," the release said. "Investigators learned of a prior dispute involving the suspect and the victim over a mutual female acquaintance."

Sousa was taken into custody by Massachusetts police following a fatal wreck in Swansea, Massachusetts, according to the release, which said two were killed in the crash.

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"Inside the white Infiniti, authorities located a .22-caliber pistol believed to be the weapon used in the shooting," the release said. "Additional .22-caliber ammunition was recovered from Mr. Sousa at Rhode Island Hospital."

The Cranston police secured a warrant charging Sousa with murder, using a firearm while committing a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license, according to the release.

"Mr. Sousa is being treated for serious injuries at Rhode Island Hospital and is expected to survive," the release said. "Cranston police officers are maintaining custody until he is conscious and medically cleared, at which time he will be arraigned on the charges."

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“On behalf of the Cranston Police Department, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Javon Lawson and the two individuals who were killed in the crash in Swansea," Lt. Col. Michael Winquist, the chief of the Cranston Police Department, said in the release.

"These were senseless acts of violence that have left families grieving and a community shaken," Winquist said.

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