Michael Woodmansee, known for one of the most gruesome murders in Rhode Island history, is set to be released from prison in August. Although originally sentenced to 40 years in prison, Woodmansee will be released 12 years early due to good behavior. Woodmansee was 16 years old when he murdered his five-year-old neighbor, Jason Foreman, in 1975. The murder, which took place in Peace Dale, took over eight years to be solved.
Woodmansee attempted to invite a 14-year-old paper boy into his home. The boy escaped and his father called the police, leading detectives to Woodmansee's home. Police allegedly discovered diaries describing how Woodmansee killed Foreman. It is also alleged that Woodmansee performed cannibalistic acts on Foreman's body. All evidence was sealed to avoid hurting Foreman's family anymore than what had already been done.
Residents of Peace Dale and the southern Rhode Island community are horrified about the possibility of Woodmansee returning to his former home. South Kingstown police officers are concerned about the potential harm cause by Woodmansee, and what the residents may do to him. In an interview with the WPRO radio station, Foreman's father announced his intentions to kill Woodmansee.
South Kingstown residents are planning a protest for Saturday morning. They are hoping to get Woodmansee transferred to a mental health facility, rather than being released into the general population. The protest is expected to be well-organized and non-violent.
Update:
Over 400 people attended the protest in Wakefield. Governor Chaffee is currently considering different options for Woodmansee after his release.
No comments:
Post a Comment