Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Providence man found guilty of 2013 murder of Pawtucket man
Juan Gibson (age 48), of Providence, RI was found guilty today by a Providence County Superior Court jury on six felony counts related to the burglary and subsequent murder of Jeffrey Lebrun in 2013. The jury returned the verdict after one day of deliberation, following a two-week trial presided over by Superior Court Justice Kristin Rodgers.
Gibson is facing up to four life sentences plus an additional term of years. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date in Providence County Superior Court. He is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
“Today’s verdict is welcome news, particularly in light of how long the victim’s family has waited for the justice that this verdict brings,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “Generally, the passage of time is not a friend to criminal investigations, but thanks to advances in technology that helped identify DNA evidence and the persistence of the Pawtucket Police Department and the rest of the investigative team, the defendant now has been held accountable for his conduct. He faces a long sentence as a result of that conduct, and deservedly so.”
Gibson was found guilty of one count each of burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon in a dwelling, murder, and discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery. These charges arose from two separate incidents occurring at the same residence in Pawtucket; the first on May 19, 2013 and the second on July 28, 2013.
During the trial, the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 19, 2013, the defendant and one other person burglarized the Lebrun’s home. Lebrun fought off both intruders but was stabbed in the process.
The State also proved beyond a reasonable a doubt that on July 28, 2013, Gibson and the second person returned to the Lebrun residence, shooting and killing Lebrun.
Detectives Charles Devine and Dave Silva of the Pawtucket Police Department led the investigation into the case and Assistant Attorneys General Ania Zelinski and Scott Erickson prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General.
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The Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday on Donald Trump's claim he has absolute immunity on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The outcome could determine whether Trump faces a federal trial this year on four felony counts brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruction of an official proceeding. Trump's legal team argues the former president should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for any official acts taken while in office. 
