Police Identify Woonsocket Girl Fatally Shot Wednesday Night

WOONSOCKET, RI — The victim of a fatal shooting on Village Road in Woonsocket Wednesday night has been identified as 17-year-old NyAsia Williams-Thomas. Woonsocket police said the girl, who lived in the city, was found slumped over the steering wheel when they responded to a report of shots fired shortly before 10 p.m. She was rushed to Landmark Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Police said in a statement Thursday that an adult woman and juvenile male also inside the vehicle where Williams-Thomas was found were uninjured in what may have been a case of mistaken identity. They said it is not considered a random act of violence and that one of the passengers of the vehicle may have been targeted.

A candlelight vigil will be held in Williams-Thomas' memory Thursday night at Saint John Baptist Church at 340 S Main Street at 7. Organizers are asking residents to come together as a community and bring candles to celebrate the life of Williams-Thomas.

The uninjured passengers in the shooting were brought to the Woonsocket Police Station Wednesday night to help with the investigation. No arrests have been made as detectives follow leads in the case.

Police said when officers responded to the shooting they found the SUV with Williams-Thomas behind the wheel in the middle of Village Road with heavy damage. Police determined Williams-Thomas attempted to drive away from the suspect at the time of the shooting and struck numerous parked vehicles before coming to rest in the middle of the road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Woonsocket Police Detectives at 401-762-6725.

Related Stories: Teen Girl Killed In Woonsocket Shooting Wednesday Night