On a winter afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island, a dispute over housing turned fatal, ending the life of 35-year-old Jennie Jensen. A recent homeowner and landlord, Jensen was a mother known for her vibrant, outgoing personality that could light up any room. Described by friends and family as sweet, caring, and understanding, she was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend to many.
Her life, however, came to a tragic end on January 30, 2023, at her apartment building on Prudence Avenue.
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. when Jensen, accompanied by two other individuals, including her brother, went to a third-floor apartment to evict a man named Rufus Watson. Watson, 36, was reportedly living in his cousin's unit without paying rent. When the group arrived, the situation escalated, leading to the apartment door being kicked in. Inside, Watson was waiting with an AR-15 style rifle. He opened fire, striking Jensen. She was rushed to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, marking the first homicide in Providence that year. The two men with her fled the scene and were not injured.
Following the shooting, Rufus Watson was arrested by Providence police. He claimed that he acted in self-defense, alleging that the people entering his apartment were also armed. Investigators, however, stated that Watson was the only person who fired a weapon. A search of the apartment uncovered an AR-15 style rifle, a ghost gun, and a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds, which is illegal in Rhode Island.
Watson, who has an extensive criminal record in South Carolina, was charged with multiple firearms offenses, including possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence, possession of a large capacity magazine, and possession of a ghost gun. He was held on $100,000 bail. While he was not immediately charged with murder, authorities indicated that the investigation was ongoing and the case would likely be brought before a grand jury to determine further charges related to Jensen's death.
