PROVIDENCE – A Glocester man has been sentenced in Newport County Superior Court to serve 12 years in prison following the shooting death of 25-year-old Taylor Peterson in June 2021.
Ryan Gallagher, 31, was sentenced to 25 years with 12 years to serve at the ACI and 25 years of probation on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Superior Court Justice Richard Raspallo also ordered forfeiture of the firearm and substance abuse counseling.
On July 25, 2024, the defendant pleaded nolo contendere to one count of manslaughter.
“Gun violence comes in many forms, but always yields pain for victims and their families,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha in announcing the sentence. “This defendant’s negligence in wielding an unsecured firearm resulted in the worst possible outcome, and with this sentencing, he faces the appropriate consequences. Taylor Peterson had her whole life ahead of her before it was cut short by this entirely avoidable incident, and I hope her family is able to find some closure knowing the defendant has been held accountable. Additionally, I want to thank the Glocester Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police for their partnership in this case.”
Had the case proceeded to trial, Neronha said the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on June 12, 2021, the defendant brought a 9mm handgun into the bathroom where his girlfriend, Taylor Peterson, was folding laundry.
“The defendant unintentionally discharged the gun, striking Ms. Peterson, who succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the gunshot,” noted a release. “The defendant then called 911 to report an accidental shooting.”
On December 9, 2022, the Providence County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging the defendant with second-degree murder following an 18-month investigation. The charge was subsequently amended to manslaughter.
“I want to thank the men and women of the Glocester Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office for their work in seeking justice for the victim’s family,” said Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete. “My hope is that this tragedy encourages others to use caution when handling firearms.”
Stephen Dambruch, Chief of the Criminal Division and Assistant Attorney General Mark Benjamin of the Office of the Attorney General and Investigator Matthew Floor and Sergeant Daniel Lefebvre of the Glocester Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case, with support from the Rhode Island State Police.
