Woonsocket Man Gets Life Sentence For Murder Of Mother Of 2

WOONSOCKET, RI — A Woonsocket man was sentenced Monday to life in prison after pleading to the 2020 murder of his girlfriend.

James Grilli, 39, pleaded nolo contendere to second-degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Prosecutors said Grilli killed Erika Belcourt, 43, by running her over with his SUV.

"This extraordinary act of domestic violence took the life of a mother of two, who had much to live for," Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. "The defendant’s outrageous conduct has now landed him precisely where he belongs: in state prison, for decades to come. Nothing can return Erika to her family and friends, but I hope that this long sentence brings them a measure of justice. I remain grateful to the Woonsocket Police Department for their strong work during the investigation and prosecution of this case, as in so many others."

Prosecutors said Belcourt's death occurred on Aug. 22, 2020. Around 5:30 p.m. Grilli and Belcourt began arguing at her apartment on Diamond Hill Road in Woonsocket.

During the argument, Belcourt kicked Grilli out and told him to pack up his things. Prosecutors said Grilli made several trips to and from his car. Then, the argument escalated, and Grilli broke down the front door of Belcourt's apartment, prosecutors said.

Belcourt then called Woonsocket police. While she was on the phone outside her apartment, she positioned herself in front of Grilli's Ford Escape in an attempt to keep him from leaving. Prosecutors said Grilli revved his engine several times, ran over Grilli and then drove away, leaving her severely injured.

Prosecutors said Belcourt's two sons were home when Grilli ran her over.

Emergency officials arrived shortly after and rushed Belcourt to the hospital, but she died within a few hours, authorities said.

Later that evening, the Grilli was arrested in Pawtucket, and his car was impounded.

"The men and women of the Woonsocket Police Department work hard to maintain the safety of our community, and seek justice on behalf of those who are victimized," Police Chief Thomas Oates said. "On behalf of the department, our thoughts go out to the family of Ms. Belcourt during this challenging time, knowing that today’s sentencing can never bring her back."