CUMBERLAND – It’s been two months since 18-year-old Angelina Rocha was found dead in a home off Dexter St., but officials are still not releasing additional information about what happened to her.
Police originally described Angie Rocha’s death as suspicious after she was found in a home at 46 East Barrows St., but offered no further details.
Mayor Jeff Mutter said Saturday that he spoke to Chief Matthew Benson a week ago after a Local Insider inquiry about the investigation, and Benson told him that they were waiting on results from the medical examiner’s office. He said Benson had no other details to share. Mutter said he will reveal any other information when it becomes available.
No arrests or persons of interest have been announced in the case, nor have police said whether there are any leads.
Cumberland detectives, with help from the Rhode Island State Police, processed the scene starting early in the morning on Saturday, June 6, after Rocha was found dead, and they investigated what might have happened to her.
The town’s tax assessor’s database says the home at 46 East Barrows St. has been in a trust since 2011. Friends say she was living at the home with her boyfriend and roommates.
Rocha, who loved art, was said to be adventurous, funny, and endlessly caring about other people.
She was nine days short of her 19th birthday when she died. The daughter of Barbara Jo (Gallagher) Sanford and Paul Rocha, she previously attended West Warwick High School while living in that community, and more recently attended Cumberland High School while living in Cumberland.
“Angie loved freehand drawing, especially animals and nature scenes, and playing her acoustic guitar,” stated her obituary. “She enjoyed watching movies and series on Netflix and playing video games. She also enjoyed being outdoors, taking walks and climbing Mount Tom in Holyoke, Mass.”
Stated an online remembrance, “Angelina, affectionately known as Angie, approached every challenge with a determination and grace that inspired those around her. She taught others that change starts with one single word. If you learn anything from Angie’s life, and her passing, let it be this. Cherish every moment, tackle every obstacle. Persevere no matter what, and NEVER let someone dull your sparkle.”
It went on, “From a young age, Angie held a profound love for nature, finding solace and joy in walks that allowed her to embrace the world’s beauty. Her time spent with family and friends was cherished above all else, as she believed deeply in the power of connection and kindness. Angie always said ‘everyone deserves a friend.’ And that is the energy she carried each and every day. Angie’s heart of gold was evident in her endless kind gestures and the genuine warmth of her hugs. Her smile was nothing short of magical, capable of transforming sorrow into joy, and her laughter hummed a tune that echoed every room.
It added, “Angie was a rare soul who lived by the moto of ensuring no one felt scared or lonely. She dedicated her life, although tragically short, to lifting others up, making her absence a soulcrushing loss for all who knew her. Her enlightened personality and ability to spread happiness made her irreplaceable in our lives.”
School Supt. Phil Thornton originally announced Rocha’s death in an email.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our high school students, Angelina Rocha,” he wrote. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our school community, and our thoughts are with Angelina’s family, friends, and all who knew and cared for her.”
An online fundraiser raised more than $5,000 to help with funeral expenses.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Cumberland Police Department, I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ms. Rocha,” said Benson in his original statement. “This was a tragic circumstance which remains a highly active investigation at this time.”
He added, “I’d like to thank Col. Weaver and members of the Rhode Island State Police crime scene unit for their assistance over the weekend.”
