Crime & Safety

Suspect In Girlfriend's Death Was Serving Suspended Sentence

Donald K. Greenslit, 52, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of domestic simple assault on Nov. 3, 2011.

The suspect in the Jan. 22 death and dismemberment of his girlfriend has a record of domestic violence and assault charges dating to 1992, and was serving a suspended sentence imposed in November, 2011, according to online information posted by the Rhode Island Judiciary.

Donald K. Greenslit, 52, of 16 Pershing Road, faces as-yet undetermined charges after reportedly admitting to killing his wife, dismembering her body, and trying to burn the remains, as reported on WPRI.com.

Deputy Chief David DeCesare, in a text message, said the department is continuing its investigation into the case.

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Unofficial information posted on the Rhode Island Judiciary's defendant database shows that Greenslit appeared in court five times over the last decade stemming from domestic assault, simple assault, and violation of a no-contact order.

Court records show that Greenslit pleaded no contest to a charge of simple assault and battery brought by North Providence Police on Sept. 11, 1992, and was ordered to make contributions to the state's victim indemnity fund and the state's parole fund, and pay court costs.

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Greenslit also pleaded no contest to a 1999 charge of violating a no-contact order brought by North Providence Police. He was ordered to attend counseling and have no contact with the victim.

In 2009, charges of simple domestic assault and domestic disorderly conduct brought by Johnston Police were dismissed.

Following a plea of no contest to a 2010 charge of domestic simple assault, Greenslit was ordered to attend domestic abuse counseling and sentenced to one years' probation and a six months suspended. Two lesser charges were dismissed.

In the most recent case, Greenslit was sentenced to 10 days in prison with 355 days suspended and 355 days' probation and ordered to attend domestic abuse counseling and alcohol counseling.

Greenslit also appeared in court in 2003 on drug charges; in 2004 on one count of credit card fraud and one of receiving goods valued less than $500; and in January, 2011, on a DUI charge. He pleaded not guilty at each court hearing, was given probation in the drug and fraud cases, and lost his license for 60 days in the DUI case.


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