Guilty Verdict In 2014 East Providence Barber Shop Murder

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The suspect in a 2014 barber shop killing in East Providence was found guilty of second-degree murder and causing death by firearm on Friday. The Attorney General's Office said Friday that a superior court jury took two days to return a guilty verdict against Thomas Mosley, 38, in the murder of Yusef A'Vant.

It was the second trial of Mosley for the murder after a mistrial was declared in the October 2019 trial when the jury was not able to reach a verdict on the murder charge. Mosley was found guilty in that trial of three counts of obstruction of the judicial system and one count of firearm possession.

"Violent crime in our neighborhoods affects not only victims and their families but entire communities. While today's verdict will not bring back Mr. A'Vant or take away the pain and suffering of his family, the defendant here will be held accountable for his senseless conduct," said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. "This was a complicated case with many moving parts. I commend the work of the East Providence Police and the entire investigative and prosecution team in achieving justice here."

Mosley was found guilty Friday of shooting and killing A'Vant on April 13, 2014 in an altercation at an East Providence barber shop where A'Vant worked. Prosecutors said Mosley and an accomplice, Evan Watson, drove to the barber shop where A'Vant worked, Mosley confronted him and shot him after a brief struggle.

A witness said Mosley entered the barber shot holding a silver revolver and ordered him to get on the floor. A'Vant was shot in the abdomen before Mosely fled the scene. A'Vant died from his injuries at the hospital a short time later.

Watson pleaded guilty of second-degree murder, one count of conspiracy, one court of possession of a firearm without a license and discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence resulting in death.

Mosley will be sentenced at a later date in Providence County Superior Court.