Central Falls, Rhode Island — The tight‑knit city is reeling after 50‑year‑old Putali Kunwar was found dead inside Sue’s Salon on Hunt Street Thursday afternoon. Family members, regulars at the salon, and neighbors say she was more than a business owner — she was a familiar face, a friend, and someone who made everyday life brighter for many in her community.
Police were called to the salon shortly after someone reported finding a woman unresponsive inside. When officers arrived, they confirmed Kunwar had been killed in what detectives are calling an act of violence. The sight of police tape and crime scene investigators on Hunt Street stunned residents who knew Kunwar from her years running the salon and chatting with customers. The news spread quickly, and the reaction was quiet sorrow mixed with disbelief.
Investigators immediately began piecing together what happened. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and used newly installed license plate cameras to track the vehicle believed to be tied to the incident. That investigation led them to North Attleboro, Massachusetts, where they found 66‑year‑old Lawrence Beauvais at a motel. Beauvais was taken into custody without resistance and is expected to be brought back to Rhode Island to face charges that include first‑degree murder and first‑degree robbery.
People who knew Kunwar describe her as gentle and caring. Her husband, who asked not to be named, spoke on camera Friday, calling her “my beautiful wife” and saying they had been married for two decades. Customers who sat in her salon chairs shared similar sentiments, saying she always made time to listen and was part of the fabric of their lives.
Community leaders also weighed in, expressing the deep sense of loss felt across Central Falls. The mayor said this was a heartbreaking time for the city and honored the hard work of officers who pursued the case quickly. Friends lit candles near the salon’s windows on Friday night, leaving flowers and notes in memory of Kunwar. For many, the quiet tribute was a way to acknowledge the absence of someone who had become a daily part of their routines.
As the legal process moves forward, many residents are struggling with questions about safety and the suddenness of the violence. For those who stopped in at Sue’s Salon for a quick chat or a haircut, Kunwar’s death has brought a painful reminder of how fragile life can be.
