Providence man sentenced to two consecutive life terms for restaurant murder

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (WJAR) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that a Providence man has been sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for the 2021 murder of a 38-year-old at a restaurant.

Juan Rivera, 37, of Providence, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime resulting in death, according to prosecutors.

The sentencing hearing was held Tuesday. The attorney general's office said Rivera was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and a series of firearms charges last March.

“Frequent gun violence can numb us to the heartbreaking stories of loss and trauma caused by firearms,” Neronha said. “However, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to prevent future tragedies, protect our communities, and hold perpetrators accountable. I only hope this conviction brings some measure of peace to the victim’s family.”

According to prosecutors, a masked person wearing a black hoodie entered Roque's Café in Providence on September 25, 2021, and shot and killed Jorge Garcia.

A review of surrounding surveillance footage and a forensic analysis of Rivera's phone led to his arrest, authorities said.