Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
Kenneth J. Wanamaker was found in this parking lot behind the East Smithfield Recreation Center on 7 Esmond St. after a 911 call.

The Smithfield police have a suspect in custody in the stabbing death of a man found this morning behind a local recreation center.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Kenneth J. Wanamaker, of 2 Hill St.

The suspect is due to be arraigned at 4:15 at Smithfield police headquarters. No information about the suspect has been released, but police say they have found the murder weapon, a knife.

At about 1:45 a.m. today, a 911 caller reported an injured man lying in a parking lot behind 7 Esmond St., the East Smithfield Recreation Center, the police say.

When the police arrived, they found Wanamaker lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds.

Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and the medical examiner declared him dead at the scene.

Police have a suspect in custody; the suspect has not been named, but police say it is someone who the victim knew. The investigation is ongoing.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Thomas Morgan

 Tags  murder Smithfield

Comments

Tom S, from NH said:

From the news reports, Wannamaker broke the glass on a window, trying to get in. It seems his girlfriend was inside. Menard took some knives from the kitchen and went outside to confront the "burgler" and was attacked. In the ensuing fight, Menard stabbed Wannamaker. And this is murder?? Seems to be a clear case of self defense unless RI has some silly law that says you cant defend yourself from a burgler.

When you attempt to break into a home at 2:00 am, you have to expect consequences.

Link | August 15, 2008 5:11 PM
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Pam said:

Last I checked multiple stab wound with no injuries to your person isn't self-defense. The article specifically says they knew each other, clearly not a burgaler. You can't be close enough to stab someone and still claim it's a burgaler, when he has a kid with the same woman you have a kid with.

Link | August 15, 2008 8:12 PM
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