PROVIDENCE, RI (THECOUNT) — Romy Alfonso, a 51-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted earlier this week by four juveniles, including children as young as 11 years old, has died, Providence, Rhode Island officials confirmed.
Providence Police Department officials said the incident occurred on Manton Avenue, where witnesses reported that several individuals attacked the victim, knocking him to the ground before repeatedly kicking and punching him. The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment following the assault.
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On Thursday, Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez confirmed that the man later died as a result of his injuries. The victim’s name has not been released by authorities.
Police said four juveniles were taken into custody later the same day. Investigators described the suspects as three 12-year-olds and one 11-year-old. Authorities have not released the genders of the juveniles, nor have they identified their relationship to one another.
According to Providence police, three of the juveniles were initially taken into custody in connection with a separate disturbance before being linked to the Manton Avenue assault. Details regarding how investigators connected the suspects to the incident have not been disclosed.
At the time of their arrests, the juveniles were charged with felony assault and conspiracy, police said. Officials have not yet announced whether those charges will be upgraded following the victim’s death.
The Providence Police Department has not released additional information about the circumstances leading up to the assault, including whether the victim and suspects knew one another or what prompted the altercation. Authorities have also not stated whether any weapons were involved.
The ages of the suspects — all 12 years old and under — have drawn attention due to their youth. Under Rhode Island law, juveniles of that age are handled within the family court system, and proceedings are generally closed to the public. Police have not commented on potential legal outcomes or whether the juveniles could be held in secure detention.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to review evidence, including witness statements and any available surveillance footage from the area.
The department said it plans to provide an update on the case on Friday. No additional information regarding charges, court proceedings, or the medical examiner’s findings has been released as of publication.
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