Death of Swansea man determined to be homicide as those who were close to him want answers

A Swansea man who died late last year was murdered, according to new information on his death.

47-year-old Steven Velozo died on October 1st of last year. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts recently ruled that Velozo’s death was due to “mechanical asphyxia.”

The murder reportedly took place on Pottersville Road in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Fall River Reporter contacted Little Compton Police and they stated that they do not comment on active investigations.

According to an obituary, Velozo was “an accomplished Ten Pin Bowler, primarily bowling out of Somerset Holiday Lanes, having accumulated many trophies and awards”. He was also “part of the 4-man team that won the Massachusetts State Bowling championship, bringing the state bowling trophy back to his home lanes in Somerset. Velozo “was also an accomplished chef, having won many awards for his famous clam chowder.”

One of his good friends, Jim Gabus, stated that he is looking for answers as to what happened to Steven nearly five months ago as he was told that he died of a heart attack and not from being choked to death.

Steven lived on Pottersville Road with his mother in addition to Swansea, according to Gabus.

Gabus stated that he helped Velozo set up a going away party for the mother at the Pottersville home the night Steven died, however, he did not attend the party himself.

Gabus said that he has also contacted Little Compton Police in addition to the Rhode Island Attorney General with no results as to what happened to his friend.

“It’s been 5 months. I want answers.”