Fall River man dies from assault, leads to murder charge

A 63-year-old Fall River man who was hospitalized on October 1st after being assaulted in Fall River, has died from his injuries.

At around 11 p.m. on October 1, Fall River Police were on patrol at the intersection of Bedford Street and Albion Street. Officers observed a male, later identified as Dennis Cousineau, lying on the ground unresponsive with trauma to his face and head. The victim was transported from the scene by ambulance, and was later transferred to Rhode Island Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Mr. Cousineau died from his injuries Thursday. An autopsy was conducted by the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office, which ruled the death a homicide this morning.

Witness reports indicated a male and female were seen leaving the area of the assault and were believed to the perpetrators.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the assault (now a homicide) Thursday evening.

Scott Rodrigues, 44, of Somerset is now being charged with murder and will be arraigned today in Fall River District Court.

His co-defendant, Mendi Perry, 41, of Fall River, is being charged at this time with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon-causing substantial injury. Ms. Perry will also be arraigned on this charge today in Fall River District Court.

The cases is being prosecuted by Co-First Assistant District Attorney Karen O’Sullivan.