Providence police will speak to gunfire survivor
Providence police detectives were planning last night on speaking with the only one of three Boston men to survive a spray of gunfire in downtown Providence early Sunday morning.
Dwaynne Thomas, an 18-year-old from Mattapan, was in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital last night, said Captain James Desmarais of the Providence police.
Thomas’s father was with him, and detectives were hoping he was well enough to describe what occurred early Sunday. He has been helpful so far, said Desmarais.
Thomas’s older brother - David Thomas, 22, a US Army soldier on leave - was shot and killed, along with Domingo Ortiz, 21, of Dorchester.
Police continue to investigate the shootings. Police believe the victims had been out at clubs just before the shootings. The men had stopped at the club Ultra, but may have gone other places as well. The area where they were shot has several local bars and clubs, and the area is well populated just after bar closing at 2 a.m., Desmarais said.
“It could be anything right now,’’ Desmarais said. “As Dwaynne gets better, we are hoping to gain more information. It could have been a mistake. We don’t know yet. Everything is in play right now.’’
Police said the three men were in David Thomas’s car on Dorrance Street near the J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex when they were shot.
David Thomas and Ortiz died at the scene.
Dwaynne Thomas made his way to a nearby car and asked for help.
Police would not say how many shots were fired or whether more than one shooter may have been involved.
Boston police have had minor dealings with Ortiz, but investigators found no known connection to Providence.
Boston police traveled to Providence to assist in the investigation.
Police also said that David Thomas’s military status disconnected him from any local crime and that he may have been on leave and attended a club with his brother and Ortiz for a night out.
David Thomas was assigned to the Army’s 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, N.Y. He has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and an Army Service ribbon.
A family member said that David Thomas’s father was with his surviving son in Providence last night, and that the military has been notified. Another Thomas brother also serves in the military.
Family members of Ortiz could not be reached for comment.