Providence Man, 22, Charged With Murder In Sept. Shooting

CRANSTON, RI — A Providence man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting death in September, Cranston police announced Friday. Jose Herpin, 23, is accused of killing 24-year-old Jamal Vasquez on Sept. 8.

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. on Harris Avenue. Vasquez was found lying on the ground in front of a house, with a gunshot wound on his face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A stolen handgun was found on the ground near the victim, which police believe he had at the time he was shot.

Police determined that Vasquez drove a female friend to a birthday party at a nearby house to confront a young woman she was fighting with. The woman left the party when Vasquez and his friend arrived, along with several other people. The two women started fighting in the street police said, and Vasquez tried to intervene. Several men "took issue with his involvement," and Vasquez pulled out his handgun. Herpin is then believed to have pulled out his own handgun, shooting once and hitting Vasquez in the face. He then got into a black sedan and left as the crowd separated. It's not clear if the shooter and victim knew each other, police said.

Police issued an arrest warrant and affidavit for Herpin on Sept. 22, charging him with murder for Vasquez's death. He was arrested Thursday afternoon after trying to drive and run away from police. During the chase, Herpin tried to get rid of his handgun, which police later found.

"I wish to commend the outstanding work by all members of the Cranston Police Department, specifically the men and women of the Detective Division and Bureau of Criminal Identification," Colonel Michael Winquist said. "They committed countless hours and were fully immersed in bringing Mr. Vasquez’s killer to justice. I also would like to recognize and thank members of both the Providence Police Department and East Providence Police Department, whoprovided invaluable intelligence and support throughout the investigation, as well as prosecutors from the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General."

Herpin was arraigned in Third District Court in Warwick Friday morning on charges of first-degree murder, using a firearm while committing an act of violence, carrying a dangerous weapon or substance while committing a crime and not having a license or permit for carrying a pistol. He was ordered held without bail pending a bail hearing, and was also presented as a superior court violator for a previous charge of first-degree robbery and conspiracy.

"This murder is yet another example of the senseless tragedies caused by young men unlawfully carrying firearms to settle conflicts in meaningless disputes," Winquist continued. "As members of law enforcement, we must continue to stem the flow of illegal guns on our streets through proactive policing measures and continue to track and share intelligence on individuals prone to crimes of violence and other illicit activities."