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Gonzalez Sentenced to Consecutive Life Sentences, Plus 30 Years for Carl Cunningham’s Murder

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Kent County Courthouse, Warwick, R.I. [R.I. Attorney General website]
PROVIDENCE — Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced Friday that Tony Gonzalez, 29, of Providence, found guilty in October 2017 by a Kent County Superior Court jury of the Jan. 22, 2012 first-degree murder of Carl Cunningham, 23, was sentenced to consecutive life sentences plus 30 years by Superior Court Justice Daniel A. Procaccini.

During the trial, the State proved that just after midnight on January 22, 2012, Tony Gonzalez went to a Nausaucket Avenue residence in Warwick armed with a .9mm firearm, with the intention to confront Matthew Chivers, who was in a relationship with Gonzalez’s ex-girlfriend Patricia Chivers (previously Patricia DeLomba).  Carl Cunningham was visiting the couple.  While Cunningham knew of Gonzalez, he had no previous negative interactions with him and was not the intended target that evening.

When arriving at the residence, Gonzalez pounded on the front door and demanded Matthew Chivers come out to fight.  Patricia Chivers confronted Gonzalez while Matthew Chivers hid in the back bedroom.  Cunningham, who was a sleep on the couch in the living room, awoke to the pounding on the door and went to ask Matthew Chivers what was going on.

 Patricia Chivers answered the door and she and Gonzalez engaged in a heated conversation at which point she told him to leave.  She closed but failed to lock the door, and Gonzalez gained entry to the residence.  Unaware that Gonzalez was in the residence, she went to the back bathroom where Matthew Chivers and Carl Cunningham were located.  When the group realized Gonzalez was there, they attempted to keep him out of the bedroom by holding the door closed.

At some point during the struggle, Gonzalez gained access to the bedroom and fired his weapon 13 times striking Cunningham seven times, causing his death.  Gonzalez fled the scene and was arrested the following morning by Providence Police.

At some point during the struggle, Gonzalez gained access to the bedroom and fired his weapon 13 times striking Cunningham seven times, causing his death.  Gonzalez fled the scene and was arrested the following morning by Providence Police.

Warwick Detectives John McHale and Joseph Mee led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorneys General Timothy Healy and Meghan McDonough prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.

 

Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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