UPDATE: Woman wanted for questioning in Bristol woman's death arraigned in Providence

Eudora Gustafson, 66, was found dead in her Sowams Drive home Friday night

By Patrick Luce
Posted 2/12/17

Two people shot by Providence Police Friday were wanted for questioning by Bristol Police in connection with the death of a local woman, 66-year-old Eudora Gustofson, of Sowams Drive, police …

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UPDATE: Woman wanted for questioning in Bristol woman's death arraigned in Providence

Eudora Gustafson, 66, was found dead in her Sowams Drive home Friday night

Posted

Bristol Police responded to reports of an unresponsive woman Friday in a Sowams Drive home where they had been for a domestic disturbance the day before, according to a neighbor. The Bristol woman's death is being referred to as a homicide by the attorney general's office.

A Bristol police car was seen Thursday outside the 34 Sowams Drive house where 66-year-old Eudora Gustafson was found dead Friday night. Police were asking about a potential domestic issue on Thursday, according to neighbor Steve Withers, who lives next door.

Bristol Police have not filed charges and have not commented publicly on the details, only releasing a statement Sunday night providing a broad outline of the case. Capt. Brian Burke declined further comment Monday.

"Gustafson’s cause of death is pending results from the Office of the State Medical Examiner," the statement reads. "During investigation by police, Raymond Paiva, age 24, and Selena Martinez, age 21, were sought for questioning regarding the death of Gustafson. Both Paiva and Martinez were known to Gustafson."

Mr. Paiva is Ms. Gustafson's grandson, who had been living in the home since about last October, Mr. Withers said.

On Friday, Mark Gustafson called police after coming home to find his wife unresponsive. Officers arrived at 34 Sowams Drive just before 7 p.m. Friday to find Ms. Gustafson dead on the scene, the cause of which remains under investigation. Mr. Gustafson reportedly found checks, jewelry, prescription drugs, and his wife’s car were missing Friday night.

Bristol Police issued a bulletin for the car, which Providence Police found later Friday. Providence officers reportedly fired on Mr. Paiva and Ms. Martinez after a brief chase. Both were hit and hospitalized, according to reports. No weapon has been reported to have been in the couple's possession.

Providence Police Sgt. Curt Desautels and Officer Taylor Brito reportedly perceived a threat when approaching the car and fired multiple times each, Providnce Police have said. Mr. Paiva was reportedly hit multiple times and brought to RI Hospital in critical condition. Ms. Martinez was treated and released into police custody.

Ms. Martinez was arraigned in Providence District Court Monday morning on five Providence charges of possessing a stolen vehicle and receiving stolen goods, three of them felonies, according Amy Kempe in Attorney General Peter Kilmartin's office. Ms. Martinez was released on $10,000 personal recognizance and remains under investigation for her potential role in the Bristol homicide, Ms. Kempe said.

Bristol Police said Sunday they believe Ms. Gustafson's death to be an isolated incident, and said the public was not in danger. The case remains under investigation, and Bristol Police have refused to comment further.

Reached at his home Monday afternoon, Mr. Gustafson declined to comment. Neighbor Mr. Withers said Ms. Gustafson's death is a shock.

"She was always super nice to me. She used to watch my house when I was away," Mr. Withers said Monday. "This is just so terrible. She was always the nicest lady, and he's always been the hardest working guy."

Check back with eastbayri.com for more information as it becomes available.

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