Glocester Man Sentenced For Accidentally Shooting, Killing His Girlfriend

GLOCESTER, RI — A Glocester man was sentenced Friday to 12 years in state prison after pleading to an accidental shooting that killed his girlfriend, Taylor Peterson, 25, in June 2021.

The sentencing came after Ryan Gallagher, 31, pleaded nolo contendere in July 2024 to manslaughter. Following his prison sentence, he must serve 25 years of probation, undergo substance abuse counseling, and forfeit his gun.

"Gun violence comes in many forms, but always yields pain for victims and their families," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "This defendant’s negligence in wielding an unsecured firearm resulted in the worst possible outcome, and with this sentencing, he faces the appropriate consequences. Taylor Peterson had her whole life ahead of her before it was cut short by this entirely avoidable incident, and I hope her family is able to find some closure knowing the defendant has been held accountable."

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that on June 12, 2021, Gallagher brought a 9mm handgun into the bathroom where Peterson, was folding laundry. Prosecutors said Gallagher accidentally shot the gun, striking Ms. Peterson, who succumbed to her injuries. The defendant then called 911 to report an accidental shooting.

On Dec. 9, 2022, the Providence County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging the defendant with second-degree murder following an 18-month investigation. The charge was subsequently amended to manslaughter.

"I want to thank the men and women of the Glocester Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office for their work in seeking justice for the victim’s family," Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete said. "My hope is that this tragedy encourages others to use caution when handling firearms."

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