Providence Man Gets 45-Year Prison Sentence For Murdering Estranged Wife

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man was sentenced Tuesday to 45 years in state prison after prosecutors proved he killed his estranged wife, Maniriho Nkinamubanzi, 51, in 2017, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Thursday.

On June 4, Bosco Tukamuhabwa, 53, was found guilty of domestic-second degree murder and domestic criminal violation of a no contact order, following an 11-day trial.

"Domestic abusers perpetuate a cycle of control and violence, which can unfortunately escalate into irreparable tragedy," Neronha said. "Ms. Nkinamubanzi deserved to live a full life, free of the persistent threat of violence, and the defendant stole that from her. I hope this sentence brings Ms. Nkinamubanzi’s children some measure of peace and closure. And as always, I want to thank my attorneys and the Providence Police Department for their hard work on this case and so many others."

During the trial, prosecutors proved Tukamuhabwa murdered Nkinamubanzi by bludgeoning and stabbing her to death in her home.

On Nov. 9, 2017, the victim’s children reported their mother missing to Providence police. The following day, while searching the apartment for clues as to their mother’s whereabouts, the children discovered Nkinamubanzi's body in a bedroom closet.

Responding officers identified signs of blunt force trauma and several stab wounds on her body, as well as blood spatter on the wall outside the closet.

Prosecutors said a forensic analysis of the Tukamuhabw's cell phone placed him in the vicinity of the victim’s home at the time of her death. Additionally, the Rhode Island Department of Health tested 19 items from the crime scene and Nkinamubanzi's home, including several bloodstained items containing DNA from both the defendant and the victim.

Nkinamubanzi's contact with the victim violated a no contact order issued in April 2017 after an incident of physical violence, prosecutors said.

"The Providence Police Department works tirelessly to bring to justice those who commit senseless acts of violence such as this one," Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said. "I am thankful for the hard work of our detectives, as well as the Attorney General’s Office, throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case."

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