Providence Man Gets 22-Year Sentence For Stabbing Warwick Teen To Death

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man was sentenced Friday to 22 years in state prison after admitting to stabbing a Warwick teen to death in 2016.

On May 12, Josue Morillo, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder in connection to the death of Michael Rogers, 19. Following the prison sentence, Rogers must serve 40 years of probation.

Had the case proceeded to trial, state prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that on March 26, 2016, Morillo, along with several co-defendants, stabbed Roger to death.

"With today's sentencing, each of those responsible for this truly senseless murder has received a well-deserved prison sentence," Attorney General Neronha said. "And while justice has been served to the extent that is possible, the victim received the worst sentence of all. These convicted criminals robbed this young victim of a full life, for no discernible reason. I hope that the outcome of this case serves not only as a deterrent, but also as a promise to the public that those who commit, or assist with, senseless acts of violence will be held accountable."

In the morning on March 26, 2016, Morillo and several co-defendants got a call from co-defendant Jared Rogers, who was taken to Kent County Hospital after belligerently arguing with his mother and brother, David, after returning home from a night out with friends, prosecutors said. The group picked up Jared Rogers from the hospital, at which time he told the group he wanted to hurt his family, according to prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, Morillo said he was willing to stab someone, as the group drove to Jared Rogers' home on Haswill Street in Warwick.

Prosecutors said the group broke into Jared Rogers' home around 5:00 a.m. Morillo went downstairs, stabbed David Rogers in the abdomen as he slept, and immediately ran from the basement and out of the house, prosecutors said.

Simultaneously, another co-defendant stabbed Michael Rogers in his bedroom upstairs, according to prosecutors. Shortly after, the group fled the scene. Emergency officials rushed both victims to Rhode Island Hospital, where Michael Rogers was pronounced dead.

Warwick police questioned Morillo and charged him with murder on March 29, 2016.

"This kind of senseless violence will never be tolerated in our community, and today’s sentencing reflects the severity of the crime," Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor said. "I want to thank everyone who worked to bring this defendant to justice; for the victims and for the safety of our community members."

Of the co-defendants, Andrew Soben received a sentence of 60 years with 50 to serve, Jake Cabral received a sentence of 10 years with seven to serve, and Jared Rogers received life in prison for their respective roles in the murder.

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