Ivan Encarnacion’s family remembered him as the “life of the party.” A 25-year-old Black / African American man from Providence, Rhode Island, he was described by his brother Runell as a “silly, clumsy, loud, obnoxious” but beloved younger sibling who had never been in a fight in his life. His sister, Dinell, recalled how he had just gone with her to buy Valentine’s Day gifts shortly before he was killed.
The family was left shocked and heartbroken by his sudden death, with Runell saying, "I have no words right now. I’m just trying to cope."
Before dawn on Sunday, February 12, 2023, Ivan and his brother were at an after-hours party in the basement of a home on Burnside Street in South Providence. Police later described the residence as an unlicensed drinking establishment. As the brothers were getting ready to leave, an argument broke out between Ivan and another man he did not appear to know. According to his brother, Ivan threw a drink at the man, who then pulled out a gun and fired two shots. One of the bullets struck Ivan in the neck.
Police received a 911 call reporting shots fired at the house party at 5:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they found Ivan Encarnacion deceased inside the basement. Witnesses at the scene immediately identified the shooter to the responding officers, which led to a remarkably swift arrest. Within 15 minutes of the initial call, police had a suspect in custody. In the aftermath, the Providence police chief issued a public warning to homeowners who operate illegal after-hours bars, stating they could be held responsible for tragedies that occur on their property.
The suspect was identified as Antonio Reyson Leonor Uffre, a 26-year-old with addresses in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Orlando, Florida. He was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a ghost gun, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Investigators believed the weapon used in the shooting was an untraceable "ghost gun."
On Monday, February 13, 2023, Antonio Uffre was arraigned in Providence District Court. A judge ordered him to be held without bail. As of February 2023, the case was proceeding through the court system.
