Police Identify Victim in Last Week’s Fatal Pawtucket Shooting as 19-Year-Old Jesse Baptista
The Pawtucket Police Department has identified the victim of last week’s fatal shooting as 19-year-old Jesse Baptista. The young man tragically lost his life after being gunned down in the city on Tuesday, April 29. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where, despite emergency efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead.
The incident occurred in the area of Bloomingdale and Humboldt Avenues, a typically quiet neighborhood now shaken by sudden violence. Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered Baptista lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The scene quickly drew emergency personnel, crime scene investigators, and a growing crowd of distraught community members.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Baptista’s death. Police are actively investigating and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest. Detectives believe someone in the community may have seen or heard something that could prove crucial in solving the case.
The Pawtucket Police Department has provided two points of contact for tip submissions. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Detective Douglas Harrington at (401) 727-9100 ext. 725 or via email at dharrington@pawtucketpolice.com. Tips can also be submitted to Detective Kyle Juckett at (401) 727-9100 ext. 700 or kjuckett@pawtucketpolice.com. Police assure that all tips will be handled with confidentiality and urgency.
This heartbreaking incident marks the first of two deadly shootings in Pawtucket within the span of a week. Just six days later, on Monday, another act of gun violence claimed the life of a man and left a woman injured on Arch Street. In that case, authorities allege that a neighbor was responsible for the shooting, intensifying fears within the community and prompting renewed calls for action against rising gun-related violence.
Jesse Baptista’s death has devastated his family and friends, many of whom remember him as a young man with potential, loved by those around him. Social media tributes have poured in, painting a picture of someone who was full of life, deeply connected to his community, and gone far too soon. His loss is not just a personal tragedy—it is a painful reminder of the increasing toll that gun violence is taking on young lives and urban neighborhoods across the country.
Community leaders have voiced concerns about the recent surge in violence, calling for unity, better outreach programs for youth, and increased collaboration between residents and law enforcement. In the meantime, the Pawtucket Police Department has vowed to continue working tirelessly to ensure justice for Jesse Baptista and safety for the entire community.
As the investigation continues, Jesse’s family and the wider community await answers—and accountability. His name now stands as a solemn symbol of the urgency to address violence at its roots and to protect the futures of those who deserve to live them.