Taunton man accused of killing wife returns to Massachusetts, to appear in Fall River court this afternoon

The 86-year-old Taunton man accused of shooting his wife to death in August has formally waived rendition in Rhode Island and will appear in Fall River Superior Court for an initial appearance this afternoon.

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Edmund Silveira was transported from Rhode Island to the Taunton Police Department this morning for formal booking. He will then be transported to Fall River Superior Court later today for an appearance in court sometime after 2 p.m.

Miliote stated that the defendant is appearing in Fall River Superior Court rather than Taunton District Court because he was indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury on a charge of Murder while being detained in Rhode Island since the homicide.

On August 29th at approximately 8:55 p.m., Taunton Police were dispatched to 881 Bay Street for a report of a shooting outside that address. Upon arrival, first responders located a female victim, later identified as 71-year-old Dianne Silveira, in the driveway.

Mrs. Silveira was rushed to Morton Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 9:23 p.m.

An 86-year-old Taunton man accused of shooting his wife to death in a reported jealous rage was ordered held without bail.

After the shooting, the suspect fled back inside the residence the couple had shared. As a result, a local regional SWAT Team was contacted to establish a secure perimeter while awaiting the arrival of crisis negotiators. Eventually, entry was made into the home via a tactical robot, at which point it was determined that the suspect was unconscious.

The suspect was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital for several wounds to his wrist and neck, which appeared to be self-inflicted knife wounds.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Scott.