The Murdered Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo

The Murdered 
Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo
Providence, Rhode Island

🕊️ The Unsolved Murder of Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo 🕊️

20 year old Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo’s life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in Providence, Rhode Island. Born on September 20, 2000, in Panama to his loving parents Lucinio Sr., and Ysmenia. Lucinio was known as a bright, dedicated student who consistently earned honor roll recognition throughout his academic career. From a young age, he developed a deep passion for baseball and spent years honing his skills, eventually becoming known for both his talent and sportsmanship. His abilities earned him recognition in multiple newspaper articles, and he proudly represented Panama in competitions across different countries. Lucinio achieved the title of National Champion while playing as both a catcher and an infielder, showing incredible dedication to the sport he loved.
Beyond his achievements, Lucinio was most cherished as a son, brother, uncle, and friend. As the youngest child, he shared a special bond with his mother, who described him as loving, affectionate, and always eager to show his care through hugs and kisses. Lucinio’s kindness and warmth touched many people, and he was deeply loved by those around him.
On the evening of July 11, 2021, Lucinio was simply enjoying a warm summer night in Providence. Around 6:30 p.m., he was playing a casual basketball game behind his home on Public Street with others in the neighborhood. The area was typically filled with laughter, music, and children playing during the summer months, making what happened next even more shocking. Witnesses reported that a dark-colored Honda Odyssey pulled up and a masked individual jumped out of the vehicle and began firing gunshots toward the group playing basketball. The players scattered in panic as the gunman returned to the vehicle and sped away. In the chaos, Lucinio realized he had been shot. He managed to stumble back into his home, where his sister discovered him injured and rushed outside screaming for help. Emergency responders transported him to Rhode Island Hospital, but despite their efforts, Lucinio was pronounced dead.
Neighbors described the scene as heartbreaking and unimaginable. What had been an ordinary summer evening instantly turned into a devastating crime scene. Investigators later found numerous shell casings along the street as the investigation expanded. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage and identified a dark-colored Honda Odyssey believed to be connected to the shooting. On July 23, 2021, a man named Kelvin Ayala was arraigned as the driver of the suspected getaway vehicle. However, police later informed the family that Ayala had been the wrong person, offering no clear explanation for the mistake. This left Lucinio’s loved ones confused and frustrated, questioning how such an error could have occurred when the same vehicle had reportedly been seen on multiple surveillance cameras following the route connected to the crime.
Investigators have suggested different possibilities regarding the motive. Some believe Lucinio may have been the intended target, while others believe he was simply caught in gunfire related to gang activity in the area. Lucinio himself was not known to be affiliated with gangs, though authorities acknowledged that gang members sometimes frequented the neighborhood. Tragically, several people who were present during the basketball game reportedly left before police arrived and have not cooperated with investigators, leaving many questions unanswered.
Lucinio’s death deeply impacted the community. Local leaders and residents expressed grief and concern about the level of violence affecting young people. Despite the initial investigation, there have been few public updates since 2021, and Lucinio’s murder remains unsolved. His family continues to search for answers and hopes that renewed attention to his story may encourage someone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Providence Police Commanding Officer Major David A. Lapatin at dlapatin@providenceri.gov or call 401-243-6111. Sharing Lucinio’s story could help bring the justice his family has been waiting for and ensure that his memory is never forgotten. 🕯️💔

Sources:
Murdered: Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo | Providence, RI | Uncovered 
Police identify man shot and killed in Providence backyard 
The Untimely Death of Lucinio Javier Arauz Bastardo | by Amanda Barker | Medium 
‘We have to stop this’: Providence mayor, residents call for action after deadly shooting | WPRI.com
Police investigate Providence’s 12th homicide of year | AP News 
Murder on Public street – John DePetro Show 
UPDATED: Providence Police Identify 20-Year-Old Man… | Go Local Prov 
Detectives investigating homicide after man, 20, shot Sunday night