Pawtucket Murderer Sentenced To Life In Prison

PAWTUCKET, RI — A Pawtucket man was sentenced to life in prison for murder.

Jovon Depina, 28, pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a ghost gun. In addition to life in prison, he was sentenced to another 10 years with five years to serve and 10 years probation for possession of a ghost gun.

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Depina shot and killed Jovani Velez in January 2022, the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office said in a media release.

Depina and another man, 22-year-old Elijah Soto, met Velez in a parking lot near Park and Laurel Steets in Pawtucket to sell him a small amount of cocaine, according to the release.

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"Jovani exited the vehicle in which he arrived, and entered the backseat of the Nissan Murano that (Depina) and Soto arrived in," the release said. "After the sale, an argument ensued in the vehicle, and Jovani exited the vehicle to wait for his ride, at which time the (Depina) directed Soto to drive him home."

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Depina went into his home and when he came back out was "wearing a black jacket, black gloves, and carrying a black ghost gun firearm," according to the release.

He and Soto then drove back to the parking lot and found Velez still there, waiting for a ride, the release said.

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"Video surveillance from the parking lot captured the (Depina) exiting the Murano and discharging several rounds of ammunition at Jovani, striking him in the stomach and ultimately killing him," the release said.

Soto was also charged with first-degree murder, as well as conspiracy, discharging a firearm when committing a crime of violence, carrying a pistol or revolver without a license or permit, manufacturing, delivering or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and keeping or maintaining a common nuisance. His case remains pending.

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