Couple killed in double murder suicide by daughter’s boyfriend; victim remembered as joy with sense of humor

WOONSOCKET, RI — In a devastating sequence of events, a 24-year-old Woonsocket resident fatally shot his girlfriend’s mother and her boyfriend before turning the gun on himself, following an alleged sexual assault on the daughter, police say.

According to Woonsocket Patch, the horror unfolded Monday evening at approximately 6:45 p.m., when Woonsocket officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on Rathbun Street, close to Privilege Street. Inside the home, they discovered three deceased individuals: a woman and two men.

The victims were later identified as 40-year-old Kimberly Pieranunzi, 45-year-old Donald Roderick, and 24-year-old Sean Rivera.

Pieranunzi shared the apartment with Roderick, her partner; her 19-year-old daughter; and Rivera, who was dating her daughter.

According to Woonsocket Deputy Police Chief Adam T. Remick, the evening began with a heated argument between Rivera and his girlfriend over their deteriorating relationship. During the dispute, Rivera allegedly drew a handgun and coerced her into sexual activity. The woman, who reported the assault to her mom, escaped to her mother’s bedroom for safety.

Rivera forced his way into the bedroom and fired multiple shots at Pieranunzi, killing her. Rivera then shot Roderick upon him coming home from work and then subsequently took his own life.

The young woman, who had managed to flee the scene, contacted authorities from a nearby business to report the incident.

Investigators recovered a .380-caliber pistol from Rivera’s possession, which was later traced back to a reported theft in Maine.

Those who knew Pieranunzi are remembering her sense of humor. Someone who was a joy to be around and was loved by co-workers. She worked as a nurse and was also attending school. Friends of Pieranunzi expressed that they are understandably heartbroken.