In the early morning hours of the day after Christmas in 2018, David A. Long, a 31-year-old White male from Providence, Rhode Island, was shot and killed in what authorities described as a planned robbery. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Fountain Street in downtown Providence. Long was a passenger in a Dodge Durango when the shooting took place.
After being shot, the driver of the vehicle, who had been struck in the head during the robbery, managed to drive to Rhode Island Hospital, but Long was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The investigation into Long's death led to the identification and arrest of multiple suspects. Pofinima Gweama, a Pawtucket man, was identified as a key figure in the crime. Evidence showed that on the evening of December 25 and into the morning of December 26, Gweama, Long, and two other men had traveled to a nightclub in Lawrence, Massachusetts, before returning to Providence. Unbeknownst to Long and the other man, Gweama and two co-conspirators had formulated a plan to rob their fellow passengers. Forensic analysis of Gweama's phone revealed text messages coordinating the robbery, including details about the seating arrangement, the valuables the victims likely possessed, and instructions to "act scary."
Pofinima Gweama was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. In February 2023, Gweama pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison. A second suspect, Walter Kpan of North Providence, was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Long's death. Two other individuals were considered unindicted co-conspirators in the robbery and murder. The investigation revealed that during the course of the robbery, a. 40 caliber handgun was fired, fatally wounding David Long.
