Newport's "Spoon" Gets a Murder Charge

PROVIDENCE, RI—A 42-year-old Newport man is facing murder charges in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Providence man in the capital city earlier this month.

Jose Medina was arrested on a warrant Tuesday by Providence police for the murder of Patrick Douglas, 50.

Douglas was stabbed in the early morning hours on May 9.

The murder allegedly happened after a dispute over a prostitute, according to Providence Police Det. Major David Lapatin.

Medina, of, Newport, is a career criminal with a dozens of arrests over the years for numerous violent and drug-related crimes. Just last year, he was charged by Newport police for stabbing a man in the neck during an argument in Equality Park.

Medina, who goes by the name “Spoon,” is due to appear in court Wednesday.

For the 2015 stabbing, Medina was charged with disorderly conduct as a result of the victim refusing to cooperate. He pleaded no contest to the charge and was sentenced to four months of probation and was spared prison time.

Douglas' murder was the first murder for Providence in 2016. Douglas, who had numerous run-ins with the law over the years, pleaded with the courts for second chances and help as he struggled with severe addiction.