Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced today that brothers Victor Hernandez (age 23), of Providence, and his brother, Viclei Hernandez (age 21), also of Providence, pleaded guilty to their roles in the August 17, 2014 North Providence home invasion and murder of Richard Catalano. The two entered their pleas today in Providence County Superior Court before Justice Netti C. Vogel.
Victor Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. Under the terms of the plea, he was sentenced to 60 years with 40 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation, and was ordered to have no contact with the victims.
Viclei Hernandez also pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. Under the terms of the plea, Viclei Hernandez is facing 60 years, of which he will serve no less than 10 years and no more than 30 years, with the remainder suspended with probation. Justice Vogel ordered a pre-sentence report and scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2017.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on August 17, 2014, Victor Hernandez and Viclei Hernandez conspired with a third defendant, Dari Garcia, to rob Richard Catalano at his residence in North Providence. The State was also prepared to prove that it was Victor Hernandez who facilitated the acquisition of a firearm to be used in the robbery.
The three men drove to Catalano's residence in North Providence. Upon arrival, Victor Hernandez and Dari Garcia exited the vehicle and approached the residence while Viclei remained in the vehicle. The State would have proven that when Garcia kicked in the door of the residence, Victor went back to the vehicle where he and Viclei drove off, leaving Garcia behind in the residence, where it is alleged he shot and killed Richard Catalano and shot and seriously injured Lorie Catalano.
Dari Garcia is awaiting trial.
North Providence Detective Tom Jones led the investigation and Special Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Laskowski and Kimberly Ahern prosecuted the case on behalf of the Attorney General.