HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island State Police along with the Hopkinton Police Department are investigating a domestic homicide incident.

Just after 11:45 p.m. on Friday, Hopkinton police reached out to the State Police asking for help in a possible homicide on Stubtown Road.

When officers arrived at the home, they found a woman, identified as 44-year-old Stephanie Francis, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

During their investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Joseph Francis, the estranged husband of the victim.

Police were able to get an arrest warrant for the suspect (Domestic Violence – Murder and Domestic Violence – Violation of No Contact Order).

A BOLO alert for Francis was broadcast to all local law enforcement agencies, telling the details of the warrant, a black Chevrolet Suburban that he drives, and that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Around 11 a.m. Saturday, members of the Westerly Police Department noticed Francis driving in the Suburban on Rt. 1 near the intersection of Rt. 78.

After attempting to stop him several times, Francis was eventually able get away from the police.

About a half-hour later, officers in Charlestown saw the vehicle on Rt. 2, and, along with police from Richmond, attempted to again stop Francis.

As he attempted to take of from the scene, Francis went speeding down Dawley Park Rd. and tried to turn onto Nooseneck Hill Rd.

He drove straight through the road, rolling his vehicle over, and came to a stop on its roof in the woods.

When the Rhode Island State Police Tactical Team arrived, they determined the scene was safe. Officers then approached the vehicle and found Francis still inside.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is pending autopsy results.

No other information about this incident is available at this time.

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