A Rhode Island man was found guilty in the 2019 kidnapping and murder of a 23-year-old single mother.
Louis D. Coleman III, 35, of Providence, was found guilty June 1, by a federal jury for the kidnapping and killing of Jassy Correia in February 2019, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
"Justice was done today in this courthouse," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in the news release. "The victim in this case, Jassy Correia, was a vibrant young woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. And the defendant, Louis Coleman, was a predator."
Correia had just left her 23rd birthday party at a nightclub on Warrenton Street in the early morning of Feb. 24, 2019, when Coleman "tricked Ms. Correia into believing he would give her a ride," Levy said in the release.
Instead, Coleman "held her against her will, sexually assaulted her, murdered her and engaged in a massive cover up," Levy said in the release. "Although this conviction cannot bring Ms. Correia back, today's guilty verdict brings some measure of justice for her and her loving family who feel this devastating void every single day."
Coleman was arrested after law enforcement officers who stopped him on I-95 South near Wilmington and found Correia's body, bound in duct tape, shoved into a cushion cover and trash bag and stuffed into a suitcase in the trunk of Coleman's vehicle, according to the release.
Coleman was indicted in April 2019. According to the release, he will be sentenced Sept. 22.
"This crime was senseless and horrific, and there is no question today’s verdict is just," Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston, said in the news release. "No excuse can justify the savagery committed by this man who will face life behind bars. Together with the Boston and Providence police departments, the FBI worked tirelessly to seek justice for Jassy — a beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend. The lasting impact and trauma this man has inflicted on her family can never be erased. Our hearts are with them today."
The case came together thanks to the "incredibly collaborative law enforcement effort between local, state and federal agencies across three states," along with "the tireless efforts of the trial team and the bravery of Ms. Correia’s family and friends," Levy said in the release. "Louis Coleman has been held accountable and will remain in prison for the rest of his life."
