Latest News

Statement regarding the domestic violence murder of Grya Pihlkrantz

By Lori Ann Hiener, interim executive director, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, and Lucy Rios, executive director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

CHARLESTOWN, R.I., Sept. 21, 2022 – We are heartbroken by the domestic violence homicide of 45-year-old Grya Pihlkrantz, a loving friend, sister and granddaughter, whose life was stolen from her. She should be here today.

Grya was stabbed and killed by Alex Rolin, 25, at the Charlestown home both Grya and Rolin lived at. This is a devastating reminder that domestic abuse can happen between roommates. Rolin has a violent history, including weapons charges. While Rolin does not have a recorded domestic abuse history, a history of violence – particularly with access to guns – is a risk factor for more severe violence and homicide. 

We are concerned for the third roommate who was home at the time of this homicide and witnessed the aftermath of this violence. In the wake of this homicide, it is not only Grya’s loved ones who are feeling the impacts of losing her to this senseless violence and the roommate who witnessed this – the entire community is left reeling from this murder, which will affect generations of Rhode Islanders. Domestic violence happens in every neighborhood, town and city in our state. As community members, it is so important we learn about – and can identify – lethality risk factors including history of violence and the presence of weapons. 

How you can help: As relatives, friends, coworkers and neighbors, we can help keep victims and their children safe and prevent another tragedy. If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who might be, or if you are looking for resources for a child who has witnessed domestic violence, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or use the online chat feature at www.ricadv.org.

Calling 911 if you suspect or witness abuse is an important step to take, but there are many other ways to help. If you know or suspect someone in your life is a victim of domestic violence, you can help that person stay safe. Listen, and express your concerns without judgment. Ask the person what you can do for them and check in consistently. Help the person create a plan that will keep them safe when abuse occurs and connect them with local resources. Additional information can be found at www.ricadv.org.

About the DVRC: The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRC) is a nonprofit agency that works toward a future free of violence, and to build a community in which each individual shares the responsibility to create a culture of safety and personal dignity. We work collaboratively to offer safety, support, advocacy, education and a network of services to the residents of Washington County. The DVRC is dedicated to both preventing and responding to domestic violence by working to change the social conditions, beliefs and social actions that perpetuate abuse. For more information visit www.dvrcsc.org.

About the RICADV:The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island and to provide statewide leadership on the issue. The organization has ten member agencies, strives to create justice for victims and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. The RICADV's network of member agencies provides a wide array of services for victims, including emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100.