Grandmother: Teen grandson innocent in triple homicide

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence police announced they've arrested a second juvenile in connection with a triple homicide that happened less than two weeks ago.

According to the Commissioner of Public Safety Steven Pare, the motive of the homicides is believed to be robbery.

On Thursday, police also arrested a juvenile connected to the murders. Both suspects are being held and waiting arraignment in family court Friday.

According to The Providence Journal , The Attorney General is looking to prosecute the two juvenile suspects in the triple homicide as adults.

• Complete Coverage: Providence Triple Homicide

Outside Family Court in Providence, the grandmother of one of the suspect’s in custody, told Eyewitness News her grandson had nothing to do with the shootings.

“I’d just like to say that my grandson is innocent. He was home with us and I don’t know why they’re trying to pin this heinous, horrible incident on him.”

She said she wasn't the only one who was home with him that night on July 30 when Shemeeka Barros, 22, Michael Martin, 23, and Damien Colon, 22, were found dead inside a Maplewood Terrace Apartment. Three children were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, but police said they were in another room and were found unhurt.

“I have several people that can attest to that. I have witnesses that can attest to the fact that he was home,” the woman told Eyewitness News.

The suspect’s grandmother also shared why she thinks her grandson was arrested in connection with the triple homicide.

“He’s wanted for questioning, they say on some other stuff, and he didn’t want to be involved in anything because he didn’t want to be involved. And because he didn’t come when they wanted him to, they finally called and they said they were gonna pick us up for questioning, and they ended up coming in like the SWAT team. So, that’s how that happened.”

The suspect's grandmother also had a message for the families of the three homicide victims.

“My heart goes out to all of the victims’ families. It was a horrible, terrible, horrible crime that unfortunately happened to them. I prayed along with them for the killers to be captured and all I can say is that my grandson is innocent.”

One of the victims' mothers told Eyewitness News the arrests give her some relief, but not closure.

• Photos: Shrine in memory of 3 shooting victims

Police arrested an unidentified teenager Thursday morning. That suspect is being held at the state training school.

The mother of one of the victims shared a statement with Eyewitness News regarding the arrest.

“We are deeply hurt by the loss of our son Damien. We are pleased the Providence Police has worked diligently to apprehend those responsible," Liz Colon, mother of Damien Colon. Damien, Shemeeka and Mike all deserve justice.”

Meanwhile, there was a police presence outside Family Court where families of both the victims and the suspects were inside for the arraignment of the two juveniles.

The mother of victim Michael Martin told Eyewitness News over the phone she was not planning to be in court Friday because she’s holding another private service in honor of her son. Martin’s mother said Michael was her only child.

A news conference with Mayor Angel Taveras and other officials is scheduled to be held at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the arrests.