PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Police Department responded to the city’s 11th homicide of the year that occurred on Sunday night. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said Keith Singleton was shot and killed on Monticello Street. The homicide prompted city councilor Justin Roias, who represents the area, to organize an emergency public safety meeting. “Last night’s act of violence is really sad,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said. “This is a gentleman who had been involved in an act of violence previously.” Singleton had a lengthy criminal record and was also the target of a previous shooting, according to Perez. Smiley said other acts of violence, including the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl over the summer, have police working hard to get guns off the streets. “I’ve spoken to veteran police officers who used to talk about how 10 or 20 guns a year was a remarkably good year,” Smiley said. “We now take hundreds of guns off the street, and it doesn’t scratch the surface.” In addition to police surveillance, Smiley said the city has invested in other methods to prevent gun violence, including plans to put more money toward intervention work. “I’m happy to say we’re still seeing fewer homicides this year than last year, fewer months of violent crime this year than last year, about 20% less gun violence this year than last year,” Smiley said. “So we’re heading in the right direction, but I know that’s no comfort to the family of the 7-year-old or to the kids who’s father died last night.” The emergency meeting for the latest homicide is set for Tuesday night at the Da Vinci Center. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island