The Week in RI: Bus Murder, Sex Scandal, A Heartfelt Remembrance

Sunday, Feb. 24

Local Teacher Caught With Missing Boy

A teacher from Cranston was charged with intereference and suspended from the Providence School Department after authorities allegedly in Rhode Island. The boy reportedly told police David Jones, 56, of Cranston, wanted to have a sexual relationship with him.

Monday, Feb. 25

Cranston Man Dies After Falling From 14th Floor

Cranston Police and crime scene investigators rushed to the Cranston Housing Authority's hi-rise at 85 Briggs St. Monday after a man died from a fall from the 13th floor, according to reports.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Catholic Priest Resigns After Child Sex Scandal

Rev. Monsignor John Allard of St. Agatha and Precious Blood Parishes in Woonsocket has resigned after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor. He has reportedly admitted to a sexual relationship with a young boy at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston in 1981. 

Alleged Drunk Driver Had Two Babies In Car

Police arrested Erin Hebel, 51, of 280 Compton View Drive, on charges of driving under the influence. She was also cited with refusal to submit to a chemical test. Hebel had her two daughters, a two-year-old and a one-year old, in the car at the time of her arrest.

Wednesday, Feb. 27

Woman Killed on RIPTA Bus

Deadly violence broke out on a public bus in Portsmouth early Wednesday morning when a Providence man allegedly stabbed a Portsmouth woman to death when she boarded the bus. Two men riding the bus tackled and held Christopher R. James, 46, who has been charged with murder and held without bail.

Thursday, Feb. 28

16 Arrested in Drug Sweep By Newport Police

The Newport Police Department Vice/Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Agency finished a six-month undercover operation focusing on street level drug dealing within the city of Newport, resulting in 16 arrests Thursday.

Thirty years ago last week, 13-year-old Todd Morsilli was walking with his cousin on First Avenue just past the split with Division Street when a high school junior hit him while driving west on First Avenue. Todd was thrown up onto a snowbank. He was declared dead before his parents were able to get to the hospital.

Todd still lives on in a stack of black-and-white photos and his parents' memories.

Friday, March 1

The family of the late Terry Chiodo, a Portsmouth woman who was fatally stabbed early Wednesday morning shortly after boarding a RIPTA bus, released the following statement. The victim's estranged husband, Christopher James, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.