Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers has sentenced 55-year-old Luis Sepulveda to two consecutive life sentences for the first-degree murder of his 44-year-old relative Angel Rodriguez. The fatal shooting occurred during a Mother's Day party in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2023. Sepulveda was convicted by a jury in October on multiple charges including murder and illegal firearm possession.
Luis Sepulveda drove from North Carolina to Rhode Island for a family gathering on Mother's Day 2023. An initial argument with Angel Rodriguez was resolved peacefully, but around 11 p.m., a fistfight broke out in the garage. Witnesses reported Sepulveda saying, 'I told you not to [expletive] with me. You don't know who you're [expletive] with. Now I am going to end your life.' He then fired two shots into the air before shooting Rodriguez once in the chest. Sepulveda fled in a minivan but was soon arrested, with the murder weapon, matching shell casings, and gunshot residue found on him linking him to the crime. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the hospital. Family members expressed devastation at the sentencing hearing. One relative said, 'Who would have ever thought this man we've known for so long would betray our family like that and put us through this nightmare? This is something that has not only affected our lives, but ruined it.' Another described Rodriguez as a 'strong soul,' noting, 'Not only did Luis rob him of his life, but his opportunity to become a father — something he always wanted.' In addition to first-degree murder, Sepulveda was convicted of discharging a firearm resulting in death, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, assault with a dangerous weapon, using a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing a large capacity feeding device. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha stated, 'These types of cases occur all too often when a person who is prohibited from owning and carrying a gun obtains one. This defendant senselessly murdered Angel Rodriguez, forever changing the lives of Angel's family, friends, and community. While this sentence can't bring Angel back, I hope it provides some measure of peace for those who cared for him.'
