WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND – Following a tragic shooting in Warwick, the atmosphere at a local hardware store remained tense on Thursday morning as news of the incident spread throughout the community. Customers and employees alike were on edge, with the cashier anxiously greeting each new person entering the store. Outside, a crowd of onlookers gathered, accompanied by a row of television cameras lining the curb.
Inside the store, employees and customers exchanged fragments of information they had heard about the shooting, hoping that the details were not as grim as they feared. Warwick Police Chief Col. Bradford E. Connor eventually confirmed the heartbreaking news that a child had been shot and killed, with the gunman later turning the weapon on himself.
Mayor Frank Picozzi expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing it as a tragic day for the city. The police response began around 8:24 a.m. after reports of a domestic disturbance at 71 Frawley St. Officers received information that a child had been shot, prompting them to enter the residence where they discovered the bodies of the child and an adult male, who had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At the scene, police officers diligently searched for evidence while maintaining a visible presence in the area. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure as the police dealt with the aftermath of the tragedy. Despite the heavy police presence and lockdown, authorities reassured the public that there was no longer a threat to safety.
In the days following the shooting, Warwick Police identified the shooter, the young victim, and the mother who had called for help. The mother, Estefania Dempsey, revealed that her husband, Seamus Dempsey, had fatally shot their four-year-old son, Liam Dempsey, before turning the gun on himself. As the investigation into the incident continued, the police urged patience and offered condolences to the family and community members affected by the senseless tragedy.
As Warwick grappled with the aftermath of the shooting, the community came together in mourning, united in sadness over the loss of young Liam Dempsey. The heartbreaking event served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, leaving many in Warwick seeking answers and solace in the midst of grief.