WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island man who killed a woman and injured two others before killing himself at a housing complex on Thursday had threatened gun violence years ago.
WPRI-TV reports that divorce filings show Joseph Giachello, 66, had threatened to kill his wife and himself in 2002 and was admitted to Butler Hospital, a mental health hospital in Providence, as a result.
A Newport County Family Court judge also issued a three-year restraining order after his ex-wife detailed the violent and abusive relationship.
The station reports Giachello was born in New London, Connecticut, and had been living in Middletown at the time he was married.
Giachello opened fire Thursday morning at Babcock Village, a subsidized housing complex for the elderly and disabled i n Westerly where he lived.
He killed 47-year-old Julie Cardinal and injured Robin Moss, 35, of Cranston, and Donna Thornley, 66, of Westerly at the main entrance of the housing complex before killing himself in his room.
Authorities haven’t disclosed a motive in the shooting. Westerly residents gathered Friday evening for a vigil for the victims.
Cardinal had been a manager at the complex. Authorities say Moss, also a manager, remains in critical condition. Thornley, who is a resident, is stable and recovering at the hospital.
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