The following vignettes describe the circumstances for killings not ruled self-defense by private individuals with permits to carry concealed handguns. The incidents below all occurred in Rhode Island. The descriptions include the current, known status of any charges filed against the concealed carry killer as reported by news sources as well as noting instances where the perpetrator committed suicide.
The Violence Policy Center welcomes any new information regarding the status of any case (with verifiable source(s)). Use this link to contact the VPC: http://www.vpc.org/contact.htm.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Nicholas Gianquitti CONVICTED
Date: May 18, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 18, 2008, Nicholas Gianquitti, a former Providence police officer, allegedly shot and killed his neighbor, James Pagano, a Cranston Fire Department lieutenant. The shooting occurred after Pagano confronted Gianquitti for cursing at his children during a birthday party—Gianquitti had scolded the children for throwing a tennis ball that had hit his wife’s parked car. Gianquitti testified that he pulled the trigger in self-defense after Pagano came to his door and punched him in the face. Gianquitti held a concealed handgun permit as a privilege conveyed to former law enforcement officers. His neighbor reacted to news of the shooting by remarking, “I just don’t get it. He was a great neighbor—the best neighbor I ever had.” Gianquitti was convicted of second degree murder and a firearms charge.
Source: “Nicholas Gianquitti convicted of second-degree murder,” turnto10.com, April 1, 2009; “Alleged shooter served briefly on Providence force,” The Providence Journal,” May 20, 2008.