NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — A 27-year-old Rhode Island man has been arrested after he reportedly strangled his mother and then called the authorities to admit the crime. The incident, which has shocked the community of Narragansett, led to the arrest of Bryan Wilson, who now faces charges of second-degree murder and violating a no-contact order.
On Monday afternoon, police were dispatched to a wellness check at the home of Hawazoe Robinson following a call from her son. During the 911 call, Wilson confessed to dispatchers that he had choked his mother following a dispute, leading to her death. This admission came even as police officers were on their way to the residence based on a call about the situated conflict.
The following day, Wilson appeared at the Washington County District Court where he was formally charged. He is currently being held without bail and his case has been slated for consideration by a grand jury. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 9.
This arrest isn’t Wilson’s first encounter with the law regarding domestic issues. In 2023, he was arrested and charged with domestic simple assault against Robinson, who was also the victim in that instance, according to police records.
A neighbor disclosed to local media that police had previously visited Robinson’s residence multiple times for issues involving her son. The same neighbor described Robinson as a woman devoted to philanthropy, transforming a building inherited from her father in Liberia into a free Christian school for children living in poverty.
Community members remember Robinson fondly, recalling her frequent trips to Africa to engage in charitable work and her warm, engaging personality. Her unexpected death and the circumstances surrounding it have left family, friends, and neighbors in disbelief.
As the case progresses, it will likely shed light on the complexities of Robinson and Wilson’s relationship, and what may have contributed to such a tragic outcome. The community now looks to the judicial system for justice and resolution in a case that has touched many lives, both locally and abroad.