Rhode Island man sentenced to prison after causing crash that killed 63-year-old, severely injured 36-year-old

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter Neronha announced today that a Rhode Island man was sentenced in Providence County Superior Court for driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed 63-year-old Thomas Lamoureux and severely injured 36-year-old Jeremy Davis.

On Wednesday, 27-year-old Nicholas Stone of North Smithfield pled nolo contendere to one count of driving under the influence resulting in death, one count of driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of driving to endanger resulting in death, one count of driving to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle, one count of felony reckless driving, and one count of driving under the influence. Superior Court Justice Jeffrey A. Lanphear sentenced the defendant to 25 years with 17 years to serve at the ACI, 25 years of probation, an eight-year suspension of the defendant’s license upon release, 60 hours of community service, substance abuse counseling, and $6,100 in fines.  

“Because of this defendant’s reckless actions, one man died and another suffered permanent injuries,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Driving under the influence is an infuriating crime because every instance is entirely preventable, and so often it leads to severe injury or death, both of which occurred here. While I’m grateful that this defendant will pay significantly for his crimes, nothing can undo the harm caused to the victims and their families. I hope they now feel some sense of closure.”

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that Stone drove under the influence, killing and severely injuring multiple victims.

On October 25, 2023, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Rhode Island State Police received several reports of a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash on Route 146 North at the Sayles Hill Road intersection in North Smithfield. When troopers arrived on scene, they found two victims who had been hit by a motor vehicle. Emergency personnel pronounced Thomas Lamoureux dead at the scene and transported a second victim, Jeremy Davis to Rhode Island Hospital for severe bodily injuries.

Earlier in the evening, at 7:11 p.m., Stone purchased nine nips from Washington Hill Liquors in Lincoln, and at 9:20 p.m. he returned to purchase nine more nips, and a 40 oz can of Budweiser. Thereafter, Stone drove his grey BMW sedan northbound on Route 146, struck Davis with the passenger side front bumper, and then struck Lamoureux, carrying his body on the hood of the vehicle for approximately 600 feet. Stone then side-swiped a RIPTA passenger van before fleeing to the parking lot of a Walmart in North Smithfield. While parked, the defendant called his mother and confessed to the various crimes. His mother immediately called 9-1-1 and directed authorities to her son’s location.

When troopers arrived on scene, they observed a 2011 gray BMW 328i with heavy damage to the hood, front windshield, roof, rear windshield, and driver-side of the motor vehicle. Police attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, but Stone refused and requested an ambulance. Emergency personnel then transported him to Landmark Medical Center.

At the hospital, after he refused to submit to a chemical test, police sought and obtained a search warrant for Stone’s blood. His blood alcohol content was determined to be .161, more than double the legal limit, approximately one and a half hours after the collisions.

Special Assistant Attorney General Steve Regine and Rhode Island State Police Troopers Brendan Degnan and Joshua Dilibero of the Rhode Island State Police led the investigation and prosecution of the case.