Four Accused Of Dismembering Alleged Drug Thief

Four men are facing charges in connection with the murder and dismemberment of a Rhode Island man who's body washed ashore in Westport and Little Compton, R.I.

The suspects, identifed as 35–year–old Jamie Barriera, 61–year–old Albert Barriera, 36–year–old Francisco Concepcion and 39–year–old Greg Bustillo are all charged with killing 36-year-old Kerry Mello.

Authorities tell ABC6 that the killing was in response to a theft as one of the suspects amie Barriera, was an authorized caregiver growing marijuana and had he had 30 pounds of the drug and more than $10,000 cash stolen from him back in July.

"Mr. Mello was an associate of Mr. Barriera and was believed to be the culprit,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin during a press conference on Thursday.

"The result of the investigation by this team is that the murder occurred in the Barriera home in Warwick and the body was disposed of at sea,” Kilmartin said.

Rhode Island State Police Colonel Steven O’Donnell says this is an an extreme example of the kind of violence that is all too common in the drug business.

"This is a particularly gruesome example of the violence that’s associated with illegal and legal trafficking of marijuana,” said O'Donnell.

The suspects are all being charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and mutilation of a human body.

All four suspects were held without bail.

They are scheduled to have bail hearings May 5.