Tiverton Man Gets Life In Prison For Shooting, Killing Man In Newport Bar

TIVERTON, RI — A Tiverton man was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for shooting and killing a man at a bar in Newport in 2022.

The sentencing came after Shamik Steele, 33, pleaded guilty on Monday to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felony assault, all in connection to the death of Yordi Arevalo, 25.

"Those who commit crimes of violence are legally barred from possessing guns, and this case demonstrates why," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "This defendant was previously convicted of a violent crime and could not legally own or operate a firearm; the likelihood of recidivism is too high. Our collective enforcement of these commonsense gun laws is so important because it will save other families from such tragic outcomes as this one. I hope this sentence provides some measure of closure for Yordi’s family, and thanks to the Newport Police Department for their great work on this case."

Had the case went to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove Steele shot and killed Arevalo at Friendly Sons of Newport bar on Feb. 14, 2022.

According to witness testimony, Steele and two friends were drinking at the bar before they left and returned a short time later. When they returned, Steele shot several rounds, striking the victim four times before running away, prosecutors said.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from inside the bar and identified Steele as the shooter, having recognizing him from prior police interactions. A second witness also described the shooter as having a neck tattoo depicting the face of Jesus Christ, and Steele has a tattoo on his neck that matches that description, prosecutors said.

"I want to thank the men and women of the Newport Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office for their work in bringing this defendant to justice," Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy said. "When firearms are in the hands of those ready and willing to use them for violence, tragedies like this occur. We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to remove firearms from our streets for the safety of our community."

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