Woonsocket Mom in Coma After Domestic Assault Dies

A family friend of Woonsocket mom Catherine Salvi, 24, has confirmed the assault victim, struggling to breathe at Rhode Island Hospital since Dec. 14, has died. 

Woonsocket Police have charged her boyfriend, Emmanuel F. Algaria, 20, of 316 Manville Road, Apt. 3R,  with domestic felony assault. Court records list his next court date as Jan. 10, 2014 in Sixth District Court. He is being held at the ACI.

There was no immediate word from Woonsocket Police on whether the charge against him will be changed following Salvi's death. Public Information Officer Det. Jamie Paone said an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of Salvi's death, then RI Attorney General Peter Kilmartin's office will review the charge against Algaria. 

A Woonsocket Call article reports Salvi's death is the first domestic homicide in the city since 2009.

Salvi's friends and family have told their side of the story on a Gofundme.com page set up to help pay for her medical bills, naming her as the person assaulted in the case.  The page describes a well-loved and caring person who didn't say 'no" to friends often. 

Well-wishers began posting a stream of condolences to the site this morning. 

"RIP from the Reiss household, we are praying for your family and little boy," wrote one poster, signed "Shari & John".

"No one deserves this. Prayers to Kathy's friends, family & especially that little boy. I wish there was more I could do. Rest in the sweetest peace beautiful," wrote Devyn Rieger. 

Donations can be dropped off directly at The Mane Spot Spa, Beauty & Personal Care, 30 Main St., Woonsocket. Call 401-767-7811.