Crime & Safety

Two Men Charged in Murder of Cranston 12-year-old Girl

Two Providence men have been charged in the murder of a 12-year-old Cranston girl who went to Garden City School.

Two Providence men have been charged in the murder of a 12-year-old Cranston girl who went to Garden City School.

Branden Castro, 21, and Richard Vasquez, 20, of Providence, allegedly shot and killed Aynis Vargas at a graduation party June 15 in Providence.

Police announced their arrest Wednesday during a press conference during which Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said both men could serve two consecutive life sentences if convicted.

Castro and Vasquez reportedly planned the shooting to get back at a rival gang and the neighborhood was specifically targeted as part of an ongoing feud. 

"There are groups in some neighborhoods that get guns and shoot at each other," Providence Police Commissioner Stephen Pare said "That neighborhood was specifically targeted."

Police said the arrests are the result of dedicated detective work, and investigators had trouble getting help from the neighborhood. 

Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements said the arrests are not a victory, but "there will be justice."


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