Providence Man Gets Life Sentence For Murder At Laundromat

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man was sentenced to life in prison after shooting and killing a 38-year-old man at a laundromat in 2021, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Tuesday.

Johan Quinones, 24, pleaded nolo contendere to murder, using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, all in connection to the death of Melbin Ricardo Perez Reyes.

Had the case proceeded to a trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that on October 12, 2021, Quinones shot and killed Reyes during an attempted robbery in Laundromax on Broad Street in Providence.

"When gun violence happens so often, we become numb to the endless stories of death and injury by guns," Neronha said. "We must remember each victim had a life and a reason for living. Melbin was the father of three boys and worked hard every day with a goal of saving up enough money to one day build a home for his family. That dream was shattered the day this defendant shot and killed Melbin for a piece of jewelry. I hope his family is able to find some peace as a result of this sentence."

While sitting in a vehicle outside the laundromat, Quinones saw the victim enter the laundromat wearing a large gold chain. A short while later, Quinones entered the laundromat and approached the victim from behind, pulling out a gun and pushing it against the victim’s back, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Quinones then demanded the victim’s gold chain and attempted to pull it off his neck. During a brief struggle, the victim unsuccessfully tried to grab the gun and the defendant shot the victim in the chest, ultimately killing him, prosecutors said.

Through still frames from the laundromat’s video surveillance system, investigators positively identified the defendant as the shooter.

"Unfortunately, this is what often happens when firearms get into the hands of violent criminals," Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said. "While there is no justice that can undo the pain caused to this victim’s family, I hope that this sentencing helps them feel that justice was served."

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