Crime & Safety

Johnston Father Will Not Face Charges in Daughter's Shooting Death

Robert Sutherland will not be charged in connection with the death of his daughter Jessica. He shot her

JOHNSTON, RI — A Johnston father who shot his daughter dead on Christmas Eve will not face charges, the state Attorney General's Office said Friday. Police responded to the home and found the daughter, Jessica Sutherland, lying in the yard with gunshot wounds. The father, Robert Sutherland, has been stabbed in the chest.

Daughter Dead & Father Stabbed: Johnston Police Investigating Domestic

He was taken to the hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. Police investigated, and ultimately, the case was turned over to the Grand Jury.

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"The Providence County Grand Jury has completed its investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Jessica Sutherland on December 24, 2016 in Johnston, RI," Kilmartin's office said.

"After consideration by the Grand Jury, it has determined that Mr. Robert Sutherland’s actions were lawful and legally justified."

Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Johnston Police and the Office of Attorney General handled the investigation.

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