Questions remain after Rhode Island Grand Jury charges no one in death of Swansea man

Charges are not being brought concerning the death of a Swansea man.

47-year-old Steven Velozo died on October 1st of last year. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts ruled earlier this year that Velozo’s death was due to “mechanical asphyxia” which happens when a­­ force or object keeps you from breathing.

According to WJAR10, the Statewide Grand Jury determined that no criminal charges should be brought against anyone concerning Velozo’s death. The proceedings are secret, so no other information was released.

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

At the time of the Chief Medical Examiner’s ruling, 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 to us in February that he is looking for answers as to what happened to Steven as he was told that he died of a heart attack.

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 had 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.”

It appears that answers are still limited.