Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Emmanuel Algaria, age 23, with a last known address of 316 Manville Road, Woonsocket, pleaded nolo contendere today before Superior Court Justice Susan E. McGuirl to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his 24-year-old girlfriend Catherine Salvi.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Algaria was sentenced to 30 years, with 18 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Algaria was ordered to undergo domestic violence counseling and to have no contact with his minor child until the child is 18 years old.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that Algaria was responsible for the death of Salvi. On December 14, 2013, the Woonsocket Police Department responded to 316 Manville Road for a report of an assault on a female. Upon further investigation it was learned that on the evening of December 13, 2013, an argument ensued between Algaria and Salvi. During the argument, Algaria assaulted Salvi with his hands, causing her to fall and hit her head on the wall and floor.
By the time the Woonsocket Police responded to the scene, Algaria and a friend had taken Salvi to Landmark Medical Center for treatment.
After being admitted to Landmark, Salvi was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries on January 5, 2014.
"The death of a mother, daughter, and friend at the hands of someone she loved is a tragedy that does not have to happen. We all have the ability to help people experiencing domestic violence. We just need to learn how. We need to make a commitment to get involved, ask questions if we suspect abuse, support the person being abused, and get them the help they need to escape the abuse," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
Woonsocket Police Detective Thomas Gormley led the investigation. Special Assistant Attorney General Ania Zielinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.