Local Cafe Organizes Fundraiser for Unidentified Brown University Shooting Tipster

The GoFundMe has raised over $11,700 so far for the anonymous witness who helped crack the case.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A local cafe in Providence, Rhode Island has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for the anonymous tipster, known only as 'John,' who provided key information to police that helped identify the suspect in the deadly mass shooting at Brown University in December. The fundraiser has raised over $11,700 so far to support this unidentified individual who stepped forward with information when the community needed it most.

Why it matters

The Brown University shooting was a tragic event that shook the Providence community. The anonymous tipster, referred to as 'John,' played a crucial role in helping authorities identify the suspect and move the investigation forward quickly. This fundraiser is a way for the local community to show their appreciation and support for someone who displayed bravery and civic responsibility during a difficult time.

The details

In the days after the shooting, which left two students dead and nine others injured, authorities had no suspects in custody. Photos of the person of interest were released, and a Reddit user now identified as 'John,' a former Brown University student, later said he recognized the individual and was able to direct investigators to the suspect's vehicle. This information helped police positively identify the shooter, Claudio Neves Valente, who later committed suicide.

  • The shooting occurred in December.
  • The local cafe organized the GoFundMe fundraiser in March 2026.

The players

John

An anonymous tipster, reported to be a former Brown University student, who provided crucial information to police that helped identify the suspect in the deadly mass shooting.

Claudio Neves Valente

The suspect in the Brown University mass shooting, who shot and killed two students and injured nine others before later committing suicide.

Brett Smiley

The mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, who wrote a letter to the FBI director requesting that the $50,000 reward be awarded to the anonymous tipster 'John.'

Dan Linskey

A retired Boston Police Superintendent who commented on the importance of the tipster's information in helping authorities quickly identify the suspect.

Local Cafe

A cafe in Providence that organized the GoFundMe fundraiser to support the anonymous tipster 'John.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our community has carried a lot in the aftermath of the Brown shooting. During that time, one local witness — known publicly as John — chose to come forward with information that helped move the investigation forward. We helped organize this GoFundMe as a small gesture of support for someone who showed courage when our neighborhood needed it most.”

— Local Cafe (boston25news.com)

“Once they were able to positively identify a vehicle plate associated with him in the area of Providence, run that plate and find out if it's a rental car in Boston, they were able to identify who had rented it and gather a positive identification on them pretty quickly.”

— Dan Linskey, Retired Boston Police Superintendent (boston25news.com)

What’s next

Mayor Brett Smiley has asked the FBI to award the $50,000 reward to the anonymous tipster 'John,' who he called a hero. The FBI has not disclosed whether the reward has been paid.

The takeaway

This fundraiser demonstrates the community's appreciation for the courage and civic responsibility displayed by the anonymous tipster, 'John,' whose information was crucial in helping authorities quickly identify the suspect in the tragic Brown University shooting. It highlights the important role that witnesses can play in supporting law enforcement investigations, even when their identities remain unknown to the public.