Accused Killer Captured After Fatal Crash in Cranston

Demitri Sousa, 28, of Seekonk, Massachusetts, is charged with murder in the shooting death of Javon Lawson, 35, of Cranston.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Massachusetts man, Demitri Sousa, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Javon Lawson, 35, of Cranston, Rhode Island. Lawson was shot and killed through the door of his home on Legion Way on Friday evening. Sousa was later captured following a fatal crash in Swansea, Massachusetts, where police found a .22-caliber pistol believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless acts. The shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to address these types of incidents.

The details

According to the Cranston Police Department, individuals inside Lawson's home heard banging at a side door on Friday around 8:30 p.m. When Lawson approached the door, multiple gunshots were fired from outside, striking him. Lawson was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died shortly after 9 p.m. Surveillance footage showed a male subject wearing dark clothing and a mask walking toward the residence moments before the shooting and fleeing immediately afterward. The individual was observed running to a white Infiniti sedan parked on Aetna Street, which then left the area. Police identified the registered owner of the Infiniti as Demitri Sousa, 28, of Seekonk, Massachusetts, and developed him as the primary suspect in the shooting. Sousa was later taken into custody by Massachusetts police following a fatal wreck in Swansea, Massachusetts, where two people were killed. Inside the Infiniti, authorities located a .22-caliber pistol believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, and additional .22-caliber ammunition was recovered from Sousa at Rhode Island Hospital.

  • On Friday around 8:30 p.m., individuals inside Lawson's home heard banging at a side door.
  • Lawson was shot and killed shortly after 9 p.m. on Friday.
  • Sousa was captured following a fatal crash in Swansea, Massachusetts.

The players

Javon Lawson

A 35-year-old Cranston resident who was shot and killed through the door of his home.

Demitri Sousa

A 28-year-old man from Seekonk, Massachusetts, who has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Javon Lawson.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the Cranston Police Department, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Javon Lawson and the two individuals who were killed in the crash in Swansea. These were senseless acts of violence that have left families grieving and a community shaken.”

— Lt. Col. Michael Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department (Patch.com)

What’s next

Sousa is being treated for serious injuries at Rhode Island Hospital and is expected to survive. Once he is conscious and medically cleared, he will be arraigned on the charges of murder, using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of gun violence in communities and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing and responding to these types of crimes.