The 51-year-old victim, identified by family as Rony Alonzo, was attacked Monday evening on Manton Avenue and died Thursday night at a Providence hospital.
PROVIDENCE, RI— A 51-year-old man who police say was punched, kicked and knocked to the ground by four children on a Providence sidewalk Monday night has died, authorities said Friday. The man, identified by relatives as Rony Alonzo, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital after the attack on Manton Avenue and succumbed to his injuries Thursday night.
Police and prosecutors are now evaluating whether to upgrade the juvenile charges initially filed in the case. Officers first described the assault as a felony attack and conspiracy involving three 12-year-olds and an 11-year-old. With the victim’s death confirmed and an autopsy pending, investigators said they will review evidence, victim statements and medical findings to determine next steps. The four children remained held at the Rhode Island Training School following a Family Court order, according to officials familiar with the case.
Patrol officers responded around 7:23 p.m. Monday to the area near 249 Manton Ave. for a report of an assault on a man walking along the corridor. Witnesses told police a group of youths confronted the victim, knocked him to the pavement and repeatedly struck him before running away. Alonzo was found with life-threatening head injuries and was transported by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital, where his condition deteriorated during the week. Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez confirmed the death Friday. “This is a tragic outcome,” Perez said, adding that the investigation remained active.
Investigators said three of the juveniles were taken into custody Tuesday after officers encountered them during a separate disturbance elsewhere in the city; those youths acknowledged involvement in the Manton Avenue assault, according to police. A fourth child was apprehended later that night. The initial counts included felony assault and conspiracy. A legal analyst said the death clears the way for prosecutors to amend the charges once the medical examiner’s report is complete. Authorities have not released a motive and said it was not immediately clear whether the victim and suspects knew one another. The names of the children were not disclosed because of their ages.
The attack unfolded in a dense residential and commercial stretch of the Olneyville–Manton corridor, a heavily traveled route on Providence’s west side. Residents described a brief, chaotic scene and a fast police response. Family members said Alonzo, who emigrated to the United States years ago, kept to himself and worked steadily to support relatives. Loved ones gathered Friday near the scene and outside the hospital, sharing photos and memories while seeking answers about what led up to the confrontation. Neighbors said they were stunned by the ages of the suspects and by the sudden violence.
Officials said the state medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death. The Providence Police Department will forward its case file to the Office of the Attorney General for review. Prosecutors can seek amended counts in Family Court after the autopsy, and they may petition to transfer the case to Superior Court if they pursue adult charges. A charging decision will hinge on autopsy findings, witness accounts and any surveillance video recovered from the area. Police said additional complaints are also possible from the later disturbance that led to the juveniles’ arrests.
Outside the family’s home Friday night, Alonzo’s brother, William Alonzo, said in Spanish that the loss was devastating. “Justice for my brother, because he didn’t bother anyone,” he said. A sister-in-law said Alonzo avoided conflict and “didn’t look for trouble.” On Manton Avenue, storefronts opened and closed as usual while a small memorial of candles and flowers began to grow near the block where the assault occurred. A man who works nearby said he heard sirens and saw cruisers “everywhere” moments after the attack. Another neighbor said the episode rattled the street, adding, “It’s hard to believe kids that young could do this.”
As of late Friday, police said the four children remained in state custody while detectives continued interviews and canvassed for more video. The autopsy is expected soon, after which prosecutors will announce any amended charges. Authorities said they plan to release additional information once the medical examiner’s findings are in.
Author note: Last updated January 26, 2026.