Providence Brothers Plead Guilty to their Role in August 2014 North Providence Murder: AG

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two Providence brothers pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges in connection with the 2014 murder of Richard Catalano. Victor Hernandez, 23, of Providence, and his brother, Viclei Hernandez, 21, also of Providence, were involved in the August 17, 2014 North Providence home invasion, Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin said. Both pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Victor Hernandez was sentenced to 60 years with 40 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. He also was ordered to have no contact with the victims.

Viclei Hernandez is facing 60 years, of which he will serve no less than 10 years and no more than 30 years, with the remainder suspended with probation.

According to the Attorney General's office, the brothers conspired with a third defendant, Dari Garcia, to rob Richard Catalano at his residence in North Providence. The State was also prepared to prove that it was Victor Hernandez who facilitated the acquisition of a firearm to be used in the robbery.

The three men drove to Catalano’s residence in North Providence, police allege. Victor Hernandez and Dari Garcia left the car and went up to the residence while Viclei remained in the vehicle. The State would have proven that when Garcia kicked in the door of the residence, Victor went back to the vehicle. He and Viclei drove off, leaving Garcia behind in the residence, where it is alleged he shot and killed Richard Catalano and shot and seriously injured Lorie Catalano.

Dari Garcia is awaiting trial.

North Providence Detective Tom Jones led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Laskowski and Kimberly Ahern prosecuted the case on behalf of the Attorney General.

Image via Shutterstock