Warwick, Rhode Island – The tight-knit community of Warwick was left shaken following a tragic shooting incident that unfolded at 71 Frawley St. on a cold Thursday morning. The atmosphere outside Salk’s Ace Hardware & Marine was tense, with the cashier greeting each entrant with a sense of caution amidst the thick crowd of onlookers and television cameras lining the curb.
Reports of a domestic disturbance turned fatal as Warwick Police confirmed the heartbreaking news that a child had been shot and killed by an adult before the assailant turned the gun on himself. This devastating turn of events left the community reeling, with Mayor Frank Picozzi describing it as a “very sad day” for the city.
Police officers, engulfed in grief, worked diligently to secure the scene and gather evidence while nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. The police presence near Spring Grove Avenue intensified as the investigation unfolded, revealing the identities of the shooter, young victim, and the distressed mother who had reached out for help.
Details emerged about the 33-year-old Seamus Dempsey, who had tragically taken the life of his four-year-old son, Liam Dempsey, with a handgun. The quick actions of Estefania Dempsey, who alerted authorities and ensured the safe exit of her mother-in-law from the residence, were crucial in the aftermath of the horrific incident.
As the Warwick Police Department continued to investigate the senseless tragedy, they extended their deepest condolences to the affected family members and the community at large. The community stood united in grief, grappling with the unimaginable loss that had befallen them on that fateful Thursday morning.
Through the sorrow and shock that gripped Warwick, the resilience and solidarity of its residents shone through as they came together to support one another in the wake of such a heartbreaking tragedy. As the investigation progressed, the community remained vigilant in seeking justice and healing in the face of adversity.