Cold Cases Solved in Rhode Island After Decades

Two long-standing cold cases in Rhode Island were resolved this week, although the suspects could not be apprehended in time.

According to Attorney General Peter Neronha, Debra Stone and Cynthia McKenna both died from suffocation, with their deaths occurring 23 years apart. Neronha made this announcement on Wednesday.

“Today, we are closing the cases of Cynthia and Debra, and we hope this brings some sense of closure to their families,” Neronha stated. “Our priority continues to be the victims, and we are committed to providing answers for Rhode Islanders through our cold case division.”

In 2023, Neronha established the cold case division to address numerous unsolved cases in the state, aiming to provide long-awaited answers for victims and their families.

Debra Stone

Debra Stone, 24, was discovered on August 30, 1984, in the Narrow River in Narragansett. The medical examiner reported injuries to her neck and ruled her death as asphyxiation due to strangulation.

She was last seen the night before at the apartment of Robert D. Jeremiah in Johnstown. It is believed that Jeremiah strangled Stone at his home and, with an unidentified accomplice, placed her body in a sleeping bag secured by concrete blocks in the river.

Authorities used an unidentified informant whose witness statements aligned with evidence from the scene.

Jeremiah initially claimed that Stone died from an overdose, a theory dismissed by the coroner due to the injuries on her body. A witness reportedly told investigators that Jeremiah had threatened Stone after admitting to stealing from her, saying he “had to kill her.”

No arrests were made at the time, and Stone’s murder remained unresolved until the Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation in 2023, re-interviewing 32 original witnesses.

Jeremiah, who passed away in 1995, was identified as a suspect in the case. Narragansett Police Chief Kyle Rekas mentioned that, “More than 40 years after Debra’s life was tragically cut short, her family has been left without answers…” He praised the collaboration with the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit for bringing some resolution.

Cynthia McKenna

McKenna, 49, was found unresponsive in her North Providence apartment on February 21, 2007, after management hadn’t heard from her for several days.

She was discovered with two pillows over her face and a sock stuffed in her mouth, alongside tissues in her nostrils.

Authorities ruled that McKenna died from asphyxia due to airway obstruction.

Investigators learned about her difficult relationship with Robert J. Colley Jr., who had a history of domestic violence against her. Although Colley provided an alibi, the police found inconsistencies in his story.

In late 2007, a confession to McKenna’s murder sent to one of Colley’s associates was intercepted. However, although DNA evidence was present, Colley’s profile was not in the database, preventing connections from being made.

The Cold Case Unit utilized Y-STR analysis in 2024, comparing DNA from the note to male family members, ultimately confirming Colley as the author.

By combining DNA evidence, the confession, and Colley’s alleged incrimination by a witness, authorities have built a substantial case suggesting he suffocated McKenna. He passed away in 2014 without being charged with the murder.

North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero Jr. remarked on the case, noting the successful collaboration with the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit and the utilization of advanced forensic technology, which has provided answers for McKenna’s family.