Providence double-stabbing suspect indicted, charged with first-degree murder

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A man accused of fatally stabbing his sister and seriously injuring his mother in Providence last year was charged with first-degree murder.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office said 29-year-old Wesny Clairsainvil was indicted by the Providence County Grand Jury on Tuesday.

Clairsainvil faces one count of murder in the first degree, one count of assault with intent to murder, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, resulting in serious bodily injury.

The charges stem from an incident at a multi-family home on Adelaide Avenue on Dec. 27, 2023, when Clairsainvil allegedly stabbed his 28-year-old sister, Daphnie Clairsainvil, to death while she was preparing to go to work.

Providence police tape off a home on Adelaide Avenue after a deadly stabbing on Dec. 27, 2023. (WLNE)

Clairsainvil also stabbed his mother, Raysia Dupera, when she tried to intervene, according to authorities.

He then hid in a home on Public Street and was apprehended by Providence police and a SWAT team.

Clairsainvil pleaded not guilty to felony murder and assault in Providence District Court on Dec. 28.

No motive for the attack was released, but police recommended that anyone with mental health concerns should contact their local police department.

Officials said Clairsainvil is scheduled to be arraigned on April 17 in Providence County Superior Court.