Rhode Island man pleads nolo contendere to fatally shooting 25-year-old girlfriend while she folded laundry

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Thursday that a Glocester man has plead in Providence Superior Court to manslaughter following the shooting death of 25-year-old Taylor Peterson in June 2021.

On Thursday, at a hearing before Superior Court Justice Richard Raspallo, 30-year-old Ryan Gallagher entered a plea of nolo contendere to one count of manslaughter. 

The Court remanded the defendant to the Adult Correctional Institutions in advance of his sentencing hearing at a later date. A status conference is set for September 5, 2024, in Newport County Superior Court.

“Whether willful or not, gun violence destroys lives,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Taylor Peterson’s life was tragically cut short because of an unsecured firearm, and cases like these demonstrate why commonsense gun laws, like our recently passed safe storage legislation, are so important to public safety. Additionally, I would like to thank the Glocester Police Department for their assistance in delivering justice in this case.”

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on June 12, 2021, Gallagher brought a 9mm handgun into the bathroom where his girlfriend, Taylor Peterson, was folding laundry. Gallagher discharged the gun, striking Peterson, who succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the gunshot. Gallagher then called 911 to report an accidental shooting.

On December 9, 2022, the Providence County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Gallagher with second-degree murder following an 18-month investigation. The charge was subsequently amended to manslaughter. At sentencing, Gallagher faces up 30 years in prison — the maximum penalty for manslaughter under Rhode Island law.

“Cases like these are difficult for all involved, and I am thankful for today’s resolution of this very unfortunate matter,” said Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete. “I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office for the successful prosecution of this defendant, and it is my hope that this incident will help prevent future tragedies.”

According to an obituary, Peterson, the victim, had a beautiful smile, a brilliant sense of style, a brave and adventurous spirit, and a sharp, witty sense of humor.

Stephen Dambruch, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant Attorney General Mark Benjamin of the Office of the Attorney General and Investigator Matthew Floor and Sergeant Daniel Lefebvre of the Glocester Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case, with support from the Rhode Island State Police.