In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a tragic and violent encounter on May 5, 2025, resulted in the death of 28-year-old Brandon Kjenstand, a White/Caucasian male. The incident unfolded in the afternoon at approximately 2:30 p.m. at a residence on Arch Street, where Kjenstand and a 25-year-old woman sustained gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where Kjenstand ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The female victim was reported to be in stable condition and recovering from her injuries. Family members have stated that Kjenstand died while attempting to protect his wife and three-year-old son.
Authorities swiftly identified a suspect in the shooting, and 37-year-old Eric Peterson, who resided on the first floor of the same Arch Street building, was arrested. Peterson faces a litany of charges, including first-degree murder, three counts of using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, two counts of felony assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and carrying a pistol without a license. The investigation suggests that the shooting was an isolated incident stemming from a dispute between the first-floor tenant and the second-floor family.
Court documents revealed that Peterson allegedly confessed to the crime in a phone call to his father shortly after the incident, stating, "I shot my neighbor." During a search of Peterson's apartment, investigators discovered a projectile, a 9mm Luger cartridge, and a box of ammunition that matched the caliber and manufacturer of the spent casings found at the crime scene. Despite telling detectives he had "blacked out" and couldn't remember the events, Peterson was arraigned and held without bail. The community mourned the loss of Kjenstand, who was remembered as a devoted father to his two young sons, a hardworking employee of Teknor Apex for five years, and a cherished son, brother, and friend.
