Yordi Arevalo, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically killed on February 14, 2022, in a shooting that shattered the early morning quiet of Newport, Rhode Island. Originally from Guatemala, Arevalo had come to the United States at the age of 15 in search of a better future. He was known by friends as a hardworking and friendly man who had a passion for music, particularly playing the drums.
He was employed at the Atlantic Grille in Middletown and was a cherished friend to many.
The fatal incident unfolded at the Friendly Sons of Newport social club on Farewell Street, a popular gathering spot for the local Hispanic community. In the early hours of that Valentine's Day, at approximately 1:17 a.m., a 911 call reported a shooting in progress at the club. Police arrived to find two men with gunshot wounds. Arevalo had been shot multiple times and was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, 30-year-old Aroldo Noel Paniaqua, also of Newport, was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot injuries and was later released.
Investigators quickly determined that a verbal argument had preceded the shooting. The entire incident, including two prior verbal altercations, was captured on video surveillance from inside the social club. This crucial evidence, along with witness statements, aided police in identifying three suspects.
Within a day of the shooting, Newport police had made two arrests. Shamik Steele, 30, of Tiverton, was apprehended on February 14, and Xavier Perry, 28, of Providence, was arrested the following day in West Warwick. The third suspect, 46-year-old Duane Logan of Newport, remained at large for a short time before being arrested on March 1, 2022.
All three men faced a string of serious charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, felony assault, and using a firearm when committing a crime of violence. In August 2022, a grand jury indicted Steele, Perry, and Logan on these charges. They were held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Later, in a significant development, Shamik Steele pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felony assault. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison plus five years.
