No charges in fatal Christmas Eve shooting

The Providence County Grand Jury has completed its investigation into a Christmas Eve domestic dispute which left a daughter dead and her father recovering from multiple stab wounds.

Around 3 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2016, Johnston Police arrived at 75 Bishop Hill Road following an altercation between Jessica Sutherland of Providence and her father, 55-year-old Robert Sutherland, who lived at the residence, which turned violent.

At the scene, police found both lying injured outside of the residence. According to police, Jessica had used a knife to stab Robert, and he then shot her with a handgun. Jessica later succumbed from her injuries, while Robert was treated and released from the hospital.

The incident was not the first time that Johnston Police had been called to the home. During the last four years, police responded to multiple issues at the address, although according to police, none of calls involved weapons.

“There’s been a history there; we’ve been there before for domestic situations. It was more physical, hand to hand, punching and grabbing,” Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo said at the time.

Family members were home at the time of the incident, including Jessica’s daughter and her mother. It is believed that Jessica’s parents had custody of her daughter, who is a minor. 

After a months long review and consideration by the Grand Jury, it was determined that Robert’s actions were lawful and legally justified.

“The whole situation is just sad. I just don’t think there would be any benefit to prosecuting the man for what happened. It’s terrible, I can’t even imagine having to make that decision to do that, it’s got to be heart wrenching,” said Deputy Chief Parrillo, who was confident the Grand Jury made the right decision. “It’s just a sad situation between him, his daughter and the granddaughter and anyone who had to witness that. Hopefully, he can move forward now with his wife and his granddaughter and have a good life raising her without her mom there.”