Hopkinton man dead after fleeing warrant for murder of estranged wife – NBC Boston

A man died in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, on Saturday while trying to evade an arrest warrant for the murder of his wife.

Rhode Island police said Hopkinton police requested assistance in investigating a possible homicide on Friday evening, June 5, where a woman, identified as 44-year-old Stephanie Francis, was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound at 171 Stubtown Road.

Authorities say the suspect in the shooting is 45-year-old Joseph Francis, the victim’s estranged husband.

According to police, an arrest warrant was issued for domestic violence, murder and violating a restraining order and Joseph Francis is considered armed and dangerous.

Francis was later seen driving his black Chevrolet Suburban on Route 1 North near the intersection with Route 78, but eluded police officers. About an hour later, he was seen again on Route 2 North in the town of Charlestown, and officers attempted to stop the vehicle, authorities said.

When he tried to escape the police a second time at high speed, his vehicle overturned on its roof, according to police.

When the Rhode Island State Police tactical team approached the vehicle, he was pronounced dead, police said.

Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.