Family members say 28-year-old Rhode Island man died trying to protect wife and 3-year-old son as services announced

A local man who was shot to death this week is being remembered as his services are announced.

According to police, on Monday at approximately 2:30 p.m., Pawtucket Police responded to 54 Arch Street for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers came upon the second-floor tenant, 28-year-old Brandon Kjenstad, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Also on scene, Kjenstad’s 25-year-old wife, was discovered bleeding with an unspecified injury but was later determined to also have been shot.

Both victims were transported to an area hospital. Kjenstad succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. His wife is recovering and was last known to be in stable condition.

37-year-old Eric Peterson, of 54 Arch Street first floor, was charged and held without bail on charges of Murder in the 1st degree, (3) counts of using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, (2) counts of felony assault, Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and carry a pistol without a license.

According to a cousin of Kjenstad, he was gunned down while trying to protect, not only his wife, but his three-year-old son.

“Brandon was not only a devoted loving, young father to two beautiful little boys, Anthony and Damon, he also was a hard-working, kind and down-to-earth person and would help anyone at all costs even if it meant losing his life to protect the ones that he loved most. Anyone who knew him knew how wonderful of a young man he was.”

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12 from 4pm-7pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. His funeral will be Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, starting directly at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pawtucket at 9am.