Rhode Island man gets 25 years in fatal shooting

Providence Superior Court. File photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island man who shot and killed another man with whom he had been arguing has been sentenced to serve 25 years in prison.

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Monday that 61-year-old Howard Watson, of Pawtucket, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the July 2017 slaying of Mackenzie Irons in Providence.

Authorities say the men had been involved in an altercation in which the 34-year-old Irons punched Watson, and Watson responded by pulling a pocket knife that caused Irons to run away.

Prosecutors say both men returned to the same area about 20 minutes later, at which time Watson pulled a gun and shot Irons.

Watson was given a 50-year sentence, with 25 to serve.

 

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