Sojourner House Statement on Domestic Violence Murder-Suicide in Woonsocket
PROVIDENCE, RI — The following statement is issued by Sojourner House’s President and CEO, Vanessa Volz:
“We are devastated by the senseless act of domestic violence that occurred in Woonsocket last night, claiming the lives of Kimberly Pieranunzi and Donald Roderick Jr.
Kimberly and Donald were murdered by Sean Rivera, the 24-year old boyfriend of Kimberly’s 19-year old daughter. During a conversation about the strained nature of their relationship, Sean pulled a gun on his girlfriend and assaulted her. In an effort to get away, she ran down the hall to her mother for help. Sean shot Kimberly and, when her boyfriend Donald came home amidst the violence, shot him as well.
This tragedy comes just two months after our community grieved the loss of Kylee Monteiro, the 18-year old Burrillville native who was murdered by her boyfriend in Wrentham; and a year after we lost Neveah “River” Goddard, the 17-year old Burrillville native who was murdered by her boyfriend in Stow.
Their stories– although painful– are ones we cannot allow ourselves to forget.
At Sojourner House, we vow to speak their names, to honor their lives, to continue our work to help anyone in crisis, and to ensure that help is always just one phone call away.
For the advocates in our Transitional Aged Youth Program– a program that provides victims of abuse between the ages of 18 to 24 with access to crisis housing, rapid-rehousing, and specialized care– their stories serve as a reminder that the work they do is vital, urgent, and life-saving.
In Sojourner House’s most recent fiscal year (7/1/24-6/30/25), 60% of the clients in our shelter and housing programs were under the age of 25. 14% of those clients were transitional aged youth just like Kylee, just like River, and just like Kimberly’s daughter.
We urge anyone feeling unsafe at home or in their relationship or at home to reach out for support. Our 24/7 helpline is 401-765-3232.”
ABOUT:
Sojourner House is a comprehensive victim services agency dedicated to supporting and advocating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Since 1976, the agency has assisted more than 60,000 individuals in rebuilding their lives after abuse. Sojourner House clients have access to emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, clinical therapy, legal services, support groups, and intensive case management.
Reaching beyond the reactive, Sojourner House is also an affordable housing developer. Over the last five years it has worked to build a portfolio of residential properties that are leased to victims and survivors of abuse. The organization is also focused on violence prevention education, and its staff facilitate workshops in both school and professional settings across Rhode Island.
