PROVIDENCE — Evan Watson, who has been incarcerated since 2016, was finally formally sentenced for his involvement in the 2014 murder of Yusef A'Vant in East Providence.

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced Watson, 39 and from Providence, was ordered to serve 28 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) Providence County Superior Court Justice Robert D. Krause on January 22.

Watson pleaded guilty on October 18, 2016, to one count of second-degree murder, one count of conspiracy to commit murder, and one count of possession of a firearm without a license.

“These senseless acts of gun violence cause immeasurable pain and suffering to victims and their families,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Yusef A'Vant's family has lived with his loss for nearly 10 years now. I am grateful that this defendant has been held accountable for his role in Yusef’s murder and hope this sentencing brings some measure of peace to his family. I commend the East Providence Police and the entire investigative and prosecution team for their work on this complex case.”

On February 28, 2020, a co-defendant, Thomas Mosely, 39, was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder and one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, resulting in death, following a 12-day jury trial. He is serving life in prison.

During the trial, the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that during the afternoon of April 13, 2014, the defendant both provided the gun and drove Mosely to the barbershop where the victim worked. According to witness testimony, Mosley entered the barbershop holding a silver revolver and shot the victim before fleeing the scene with the defendant. First responders rushed the victim to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and passed shortly thereafter.

“The East Providence Police Department works tirelessly to bring justice to those who commit terrible acts of gun violence,” said East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi. “I hope this sentencing helps the victim’s family to continue to heal. I am grateful for the work of our detectives and officers, as well as the Attorney General’s Office, during the investigation and prosecution of this case.”

Assistant Attorneys General Scott Erickson and Robert E. Johnson IV of the Office of the Attorney General and the East Providence Police Department led the investigation and prosecution of the case, with assistance from the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police.