Rhode Island man sentenced to prison after fatally shooting 25-year-old girlfriend while she folded laundry

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter Neronha announced today that a Glocester man has been sentenced in Newport County Superior Court following the shooting death of 25-year-old Taylor Peterson in June 2021. 

On Wednesday, Superior Court Justice Richard D. Raspallo sentenced 31-year-old Ryan Gallagher to 25 years with 12 years to serve at the ACI and 25 years of probation. Judge Raspallo also ordered forfeiture of the firearm and substance abuse counseling.

On July 25, 2024, the defendant pleaded nolo contendere to one count of manslaughter. 

“Gun violence comes in many forms, but always yields pain for victims and their families,” said Attorney General Neronha. “This defendant’s negligence in wielding an unsecured firearm resulted in the worst possible outcome, and with this sentencing, he faces the appropriate consequences. Taylor Peterson had her whole life ahead of her before it was cut short by this entirely avoidable incident, and I hope her family is able to find some closure knowing the defendant has been held accountable. Additionally, I want to thank the Glocester Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police for their partnership 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. He unintentionally 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.

“I want to thank the men and women of the Glocester Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office for their work in seeking justice for the victim’s family,” said Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete. “My hope is that this tragedy encourages others to use caution when handling firearms.”

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.