The tragic incident leaves two individuals deceased as a result of a man shooting his estranged wife, according to authorities. Unfortunately, he passed away in a car accident while being pursued by law enforcement the next day.
A tragic incident occurred in Hopkinton as Stephanie Francis, 44, was discovered deceased in her home from a gunshot wound, according to a news release by State Police Lt. Col. Robert Creamer.
Authorities have identified Joseph Francis, 45, as the suspect in the tragic incident involving his estranged wife. An arrest warrant has been issued for him, charging him with domestic violence murder and violating a domestic violence no-contact order. The police have issued a be-on-the-lookout order for Joseph Francis and his black Chevrolet Suburban. It is important to note that he should be considered armed and dangerous, as stated by Creamer.
Over the weekend, around mid-morning, officers from the Westerly Police Department noticed Joseph Francis driving his Suburban on Route 1 North, close to the intersection with Route 78.
Less than an hour after being seen in Westerly, the SUV was spotted on Route 2 North in Charlestown. Police officers from Charlestown and Richmond initiated a pursuit in an attempt to halt the vehicle. Francis quickly drove down Dawley Park Road and unfortunately lost control at the intersection with Nooseneck Hill Road. The car veered across both northbound lanes of Nooseneck Hill Road and flipped, eventually landing on its roof near the tree line, according to Creamer’s account.
Charlestown and Richmond police officers exercised caution by refraining from approaching the crashed SUV. They wisely chose to wait until the State Police tactical team confirmed the safety of the scene. Upon the arrival of officers, they discovered the individual deceased in his vehicle, with medical personnel confirming the unfortunate outcome. The cause of death is currently awaiting an autopsy, as stated by Creamer.
