PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Police are still searching for a suspect in the deadly stabbing of a Providence man Friday afternoon.

Officers found 34-year-old Brian Clements with stab wounds to the chest at the intersection of Chalkstone Avenue and Zone Street. He later died at the hospital, marking the city’s ninth homicide this year.

Now, Shabree Lovett, 28, is wanted in connection with the man’s death.

The relationship between Lovett and the victim, as well as the motive, remains unclear, according to police.

“It’s another tragic loss of life in the city,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.

According to the Providence Police Department’s 2023 Annual Final Report , 12 of the city’s 14 homicides were gun-related, while two involved knives. Though the homicide rate has dropped this year, Smiley emphasized, “Nine is nine too many.”

“Our homicide rate is still lower than it was last year, but there’s no amount of homicides that are acceptable for us,” he said. “We always work to get towards zero.”

Darmani Balbuena was shot and killed Sunday, Aug. 25, while standing in his driveway on his 18th birthday.

Just four days later, 7-year-old Ny’Eil Pires was fatally shot while riding in the backseat of her father’s car.

12 News asked Providence police whether Lovett poses a threat to the public, but they did not respond. They also declined an interview request.

“The last six weeks in particular have been pretty tough in the city,” Smiley added.

Anyone with information about the case or Lovett’s whereabouts is asked to contact Providence police at (401) 272-3121.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.