Sean Rivera Murder-Suicide — Kimberly Pieranunzi and Donald Roderick Jr. Killed in Woonsocket Domestic Violence Horror
A devastating domestic-violence murder-suicide has left Rhode Island shaken after Sean Rivera, 24, fatally shot Kimberly Pieranunzi, 40, and Donald Roderick Jr., 45, inside their Rathbun Street apartment before killing himself. The only survivor was Pieranunzi’s 19-year-old daughter, Jazmyn Roderick, who escaped the attack and alerted authorities.
The city of Woonsocket is mourning after a chilling November 3, 2025, murder-suicide claimed the lives of Kimberly Pieranunzi and Donald Roderick Jr. Police say the shooter, Sean Rivera, was the ex-boyfriend of Pieranunzi’s teenage daughter and had been staying in the home. The violent confrontation escalated from a domestic dispute into one of Rhode Island’s most disturbing domestic-violence cases of the year.
Key Details of the Woonsocket Murder-Suicide
- Victims:
- Kimberly Pieranunzi, 40
- Donald Roderick Jr., 45
- Shooter:
- Sean Rivera, 24, ex-boyfriend of the surviving daughter
- Survivor:
- Jazmyn Roderick, 19, escaped unharmed and contacted police
- Cause: Domestic violence confrontation that escalated into murder-suicide
- Weapon Used: Stolen .380-caliber handgun linked to a Maine theft
How the Deadly Incident Unfolded
According to Woonsocket police, the incident began in Jazmyn’s second-floor bedroom when she and Rivera began arguing about their deteriorating relationship. During the confrontation, Rivera allegedly:
- Pulled a stolen handgun
- Demanded sex at gunpoint
- Sexually assaulted Jazmyn
Jazmyn managed to break free and run to her mother’s bedroom. Rivera pursued her, forced his way inside, and shot Kimberly Pieranunzi multiple times.
Moments later, Donald Roderick Jr. arrived home from work, unaware of the violence unfolding inside. Rivera confronted him at the doorway and fatally shot him as well before turning the gun on himself.
Jazmyn escaped the apartment, covered in blood, and fled to a nearby smoke shop where employees locked the doors, protected her, and called 911.
Timeline of Events — November 3, 2025
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~6:30 p.m. | Argument between Rivera and Jazmyn; Rivera pulls gun and demands sex; alleged assault occurs. |
| Minutes later | Jazmyn escapes to her mother’s room; Rivera forces entry and kills Pieranunzi. |
| ~6:45 p.m. | Roderick Jr. arrives home and is fatally shot. Rivera then dies by suicide. |
| Moments after | Jazmyn escapes to smoke shop; workers shelter her and call police. |
Police pronounced all three deceased at the scene.
Who Were the Victims?
Kimberly Pieranunzi
- A beloved nursing student at CCRI, set to graduate in December
- Remembered for her kindness, dedication, and warm, uplifting personality
- CCRI issued an official statement honoring her commitment and offering student counseling
Donald Roderick Jr.
- A hardworking family man known for his love of fishing, travel, and quiet hobbies
- Remembered as a dependable partner and caring father figure
Community Response: Vigils, Fundraisers, and Calls for Domestic Violence Awareness
Woonsocket residents gathered for vigils at Bernon Park and Market Square, lighting candles and sharing emotional memories of the couple. The community has rallied to support Jazmyn, with multiple GoFundMe campaigns raising funds for funeral costs and her future needs.
Domestic violence organizations—including the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Sojourner House—have called the tragedy a grim reminder of how quickly intimate-partner violence can escalate.
Advocates emphasize recognizing warning signs such as controlling behavior, threats, sexual coercion, and access to firearms.