Police: Man who killed his wife was previously charged with domestic violence

Sarah Doiron and Hannah Cotter

1 hour ago

HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The investigation is ongoing after a woman was reportedly killed by her estranged husband in Hopkinton over the weekend.

Hopkinton Police Chief Mark Carrier told 12 News that officers rushed to Stubtown Road Friday night and found that 44-year-old Stephanie Francis had been shot.

Their young children were at home at the time and they were the ones who called the police, Carrier said.

“It’s taking a toll, not only on the officers and the families involved, but also on the community,” he said. “It’s hard on everyone.”

Detectives immediately began searching for the suspect, identified by Rhode Island State Police as 45-year-old Joseph Francis, and warned other agencies across the state that he was armed and dangerous.

Joseph Francis was seen on Route 1 in Westerly on Saturday morning. Police said officers tried to stop him but were unsuccessful.

Less than an hour later, he was caught again by police on Route 2 in Charlestown.

Joseph Francis led officers on a multi-town chase that ended when he crashed while attempting to turn from Dawley Park Road onto Nooseneck Hill Road.

Eventually, state police detectives approached the car and found Joseph Francis dead in the driver’s seat. The exact cause of death is currently unknown.

According to Carrier, Joseph Francis was free on bail after being arrested earlier this year on domestic violence charges, including assault and vandalism.

The police chief added that when he was arrested, police confiscated several firearms as well as high-capacity magazines. He was ordered to stay away from his victim and was banned from having access to weapons.

“All security precautions were in place,” Carrier added. “But unfortunately he decided to go there that night and cause damage.”

According to Jim Larisa, one of the restaurant’s owners, Stephanie Francis had just started working at the Wood River Bar and Grill a few months before her death.

“Our employees loved her, our customers loved her,” Larisa said. “She was just a good person.”

Larisa recalled an incident in which the mother of two children developed a close bond with a young waiter through earrings.

“She always complimented Stephanie on her earrings,” Larisa explained. “Stephanie always wore a different pair of earrings. When she came in for the next shift, she brought her an old pair of earrings and said, ‘I thought these would look great on you.’ That’s how she was.”

“It’s a huge loss,” he continued. “Not only for the restaurant and the staff… Most importantly, for her family and the community as a whole.”