Rhode Island 18-year-old accused of shooting 14-year-old girl

An 18-year-old man was arrested Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in Central Falls, Rhode Island, police said.

According to Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson, Central Falls Police responded to 22 Earle St. at 8:55 a.m. that day for a report of medical assistance.

Upon officers’ arrival, members of the Central Falls Fire Department provided medical aid to an unconscious teenage girl, who was taken to a Rhode Island hospital where medical personnel continued to provide care.

“Tragically, that battle was lost,” Roberson said said at a news conference on Friday.

The girl died early Friday morning.

“I am devastated by the tragic loss of a young girl in our community,” Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera said through tears at the news conference. “My heart breaks for her family, who now face unimaginable pain and loss that no parent should ever have to endure.”

According to Central Falls Police Major Christopher A. Reed, the man and the girl were acquaintances, and the girl was at a friend’s home when the incident occurred.

According to authorities, the suspect was arrested at his home within 12 hours.

The suspect is charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm without a license and transferring a firearm to a juvenile, Reed said. The man arrested is Moises Maldonado, 18, of Central Falls, The Boston Sphere reported.

“We have come a long way in making Central Falls safer,” Rivera said. “But every incident like this reminds us that more needs to be done.”

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Lindsay Shachnow covers general assignment news for Boston.comreporting on breaking news, crime and politics across New England.

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