Murdered Rhode Island salon employee leaves behind husband and children, remembered as “everything you could hope for in a person”

A Rhode Island woman who was murdered while on the job Thursday is being remembered.

50-year-old Putali Kunwar, was found deceased as a result of an apparent act of violence and possible robbery at Sue’s Salon at 360 Hunt Street in Central Falls.

Through diligent investigative efforts, including canvassing the surrounding area for surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify a suspect as well as a vehicle used to arrive at and flee the scene. Utilizing recently deployed Flock camera technology, investigators successfully identified a license plate associated with the vehicle.

Working in close coordination with the Cumberland Police Department, officers were able to track the vehicle and positively identify the operator. Detectives subsequently located the suspect, identified as 66-year-old Lawrence Beauvais, at a motel in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. With the assistance of the North Attleboro Police Department, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Beauvais will be extradited back to Rhode Island, where he will face charges of First-Degree Homicide and First-Degree Robbery. Multiple reports have pointed to a previous criminal history.

On Saturday, Ajay Seth, the owner of Sue’s Salon issued the following through a GoFundMe fundraiser:

“We at Salon Thread (the parent company of Sue’s Salon) are absolutely devastated by the loss of Putali Kunwar, informally named Ashmita by her family and friends. We loved her dearly and are deeply mourning her passing. A kindhearted and devoted wife, mother, friend, and employee, Ashmita was everything you could hope for in a person: always chipper, never complained, generous and loyal–a gem.

“Ashmita was tragically killed in a robbery at the Sue’s Salon. It was an unnecessary killing of blood lust and murderous intent. She was very short and frail, not someone who could defend themselves against a large man. It was deeply traumatizing and mortifying for those who found her.

“As a close-knit group of family and friends, we’ve come together during this time of mourning to do right by her and especially for her husband and two children. With that said, we’re raising funds for the family and children left behind–helping cover essential needs, expenses, a mourning service, and general funds to support this expensive dramatic shift in their lives.”