Couple Killed in Swansea Crash by Fleeing Homicide Suspect ID'ed

SWANSEA (WBSM) — The identities have been released of the two people killed in a motor vehicle crash last Friday in Swansea after their car was rammed by a Rhode Island homicide suspect fleeing from police.

Victims Identified by Bristol County DA

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that the couple has been identified as Carolyn Carcasi, 54, and her husband, James Carcasi, 53, both of Bristol, Rhode Island.

How the Fatal Swansea Crash Happened

The Carcasis were traveling south on Route 136 in Swansea at about 12:18 a.m. on February 27 when their 2022 Subaru Ascent was struck by an Infiniti G37 traveling westbound on Route 6 at a high rate of speed. Their Subaru then became engulfed in flames, as first responders and bystanders tried to extinguish the fire.

Connection to the Cranston Homicide

The driver of the Infiniti, Demitri Sousa, 28, of Seekonk, was fleeing from police after his suspected involvement in the fatal shooting of Javon Lawson, 35, at Lawson’s home in Cranston, Rhode Island around 9 p.m. on February 26.

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According to WPRI, Cranston Police believe the shooting stemmed from a prior dispute over a “mutual female acquaintance.” Sousa’s vehicle was later spotted by Massachusetts State Police, who gave chase but called off the pursuit prior to the fatal crash.

Status of the Suspect and Charges

Sousa suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital.

He has already been charged in the Cranston homicide with murder, using a firearm while committing a violent crime, and carrying a pistol without a license. He was ordered held without bail. Sousa is also expected to face additional charges in the fatal crash. WPRI reported he will be formally arraigned once he is medically cleared.

Ongoing Investigation into Fatal Swansea Crash

Quinn said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing and is being conducted by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the D.A.’s Office along with Swansea Police.