Rhode Island teen who just turned 18 held without bail after 20-year-old Joseph Ramos fatally shot in the head

A young local man was held without bail Wednesday in the shooting death of another man.

Court records show that Charles Ortiz, who just turned 18, was arraigned on the charges of Felony Conspiracy (2 counts), 1st Degree Murder, Drive-by Shooting, Discharge of a Firearm When Committing a Crime of Violence – Death, and Reckless Driving and Other Offenses Against Public Safety – 1st Offense.

According to WJAR 10, on Monday, shortly after 2:15 a.m., 20-year-old Joseph Ramos of Providence was fatally shot while riding a three-wheeled motorcycle in the North End of the city.

Providence police responded to a report of a “man down” at the intersection of Swift Street and Silver Spring Street, where they found Ramos lying in the roadway suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Ramos was “a humble, kind-hearted, and deeply loved son, brother, and friend who touched so many lives with his warmth and quiet strength. He had a beautiful soul, always willing to help others, and his love for his family meant everything to him. His passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts.”

The incident marks the second homicide in Providence in 2026.

Ortiz next court appearance is scheduled for May 27th.