Rhode Island

Man Found With Fatal Gunshot Wound in Rhode Island Basement

Police in Rhode Island have arrested a suspect after a fatal shooting early Sunday morning.

According to affiliate WJAR-TV, officers from the Central Falls Police Department responded to reports of a shooting around 1:40 a.m.

Police found 43-year-old Maurice Botelho in the basement of a house with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after.

The suspect, 20-year-old Mael Vasquez, was sitting on the porch stairs at the residence when the officers arrived. Vasquez told police he had shot an intruder in the basement and was acting in self-defense against someone who was attacking him.

He's been charged with possessing a stolen firearm and is being held on bail after a Sunday arraignment.

It's not clear if he has a lawyer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us