WEST GREENWICH, RI – A family tragedy has shaken the quiet community of West Greenwich after a man fatally shot his pregnant wife, their two children, and then himself, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The killings, believed to be a murder-suicide, were carried out with a semi-automatic rifle that police later identified as legally owned by the gunman.
Local law enforcement responded to a concerned call from workplace colleagues after Danielle Arruda, 39, who was seven months pregnant, did not appear for work for successive days. According to West Greenwich Police Chief Richard Ramsay, her absence was out of character, prompting an immediate welfare check by officers.
Upon arrival at the family’s residence on Cheyenne Trail, officers encountered a locked front door, which they had to bypass to gain entry, Ramsay explained. Inside, the bodies of Danielle, five-year-old Adel, two-year-old Felex, and the children’s father, Nicholas Arruda, were found in different rooms of the house. All had succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
The subsequent investigation quickly led authorities to classify the incident as a murder-suicide, with Nicholas Arruda, the father, identified as the shooter. Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive behind the devastating event remains undetermined, leaving law enforcement and the community searching for answers.
“This is among the most horrific crime scenes I’ve witnessed in my career,” Ramsay said. “Determining what prompted Mr. Arruda to commit this act is a priority for our department.”
Evidence collected at the scene indicated that the shootings likely occurred between the evening of New Year’s Day and the morning of January 2. However, precise timings have yet to be definitively established.
A background check on Nicholas Arruda revealed a prior felony assault arrest in 2014 involving another woman. Nonetheless, authorities are still investigating whether his past behaviors are linked to the motive for the shootings.
In the aftermath, Nicholas Arruda’s brother, Jesse Arruda, publicly addressed the tragedy, condemning the actions of his brother. “His actions were utterly cowardly and despicable,” Jesse Arruda stated. “He has destroyed lives, leaving a void in our hearts that can never be filled.”
As the West Greenwich community mourns, the local response has included increased support services, with grief counselors made available to residents impacted by the tragedy. The shockwaves of the event have permeated the town, leaving neighbors and friends grappling with the incomprehensible nature of the violence.
“Our town is heartbroken, I’ve received countless messages of support and equally of disbelief,” said a local council member. “We must come together in this time of tragedy and support one another to heal.”
As authorities continue to piece together this complex case, they remain focused on uncovering the layers that led to this heart-wrenching act, potentially laying the groundwork for preventative measures in the future.
The investigation remains active, with further details expected to be released as they become available.