In the early hours of July 5, 2023, a large gathering in a parking lot on Dupont Drive in Providence turned deadly when 28-year-old Jerry Cardona was shot in the chest at close range around 12:30 a.m. Hundreds of people and numerous vehicles were at the scene, where drinking, music and fireworks were occurring. Cardona was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival; the city recorded this as its seventh homicide of the year.

Witnesses reported chaos as several people fled the scene. Providence police said Cardona was known to law enforcement and said multiple suspects were being sought; no arrests were reported in the initial accounts. Cardona, born in Beverly, Massachusetts, was the son of Jacqueline Caraballo and Daem Cardona and a father to Jeremiah and Jeraliciah Cardona. He enjoyed writing, music and basketball and was remembered for his sense of style; a visitation and funeral were held on July 13, 2023, with burial at North Burial Ground in Providence.

If anyone was at the Dupont Drive gathering or has information about who fled after the shooting, please come forward with what was seen or heard.