Loved ones say victim of fatal Cranston shooting had turned his life around, was good father, hardworking man

A Rhode Island man killed in a fatal shooting on Thursday is being remembered. a fatal shooting and a double fatal car crash.

According to police, on Thursday, at approximately 8:34 p.m., officers from the Cranston Police Department responded to Legion Way for a report of a male who had been shot.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male inside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds with family members rendering aid. Officers secured the scene, and Cranston Fire Department rescue personnel transported the victim to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:09 p.m.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Javon Lawson of Legion Way, Cranston.

Preliminary investigation revealed that individuals inside the residence heard banging at a side door. When Lawson approached the door, multiple gunshots were fired from outside the residence, striking him. Evidence recovered at the scene included shell casings located both inside and outside the side entrance.

Authorities say that the suspect, 28-year-old Demitri Sousa of Seekonk, was involved in a double fatal highway crash in Swansea after the murder.

Witness interviews and further investigation developed Sousa as the primary suspect in the shooting. Investigators learned of a prior dispute involving the suspect and the victim over a mutual female acquaintance.

According to those who knew Lawson, he was a good person, friend, father, uncle and role model. They say that Lawson changed his life around after serving a 15-year sentence and stayed out of any kind of trouble. He was also described as a hardworking man and a positive support in the community. Lawson was a single parent to his son and also raised 2 other children from his child’s mother after she passed away suddenly.

Services for Lawson have not yet been announced.

Sousa remains in custody at a local hospital.