PROVIDENCE -
A Johnston man was convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the gruesome killing of his girlfriend.
A Superior Court jury found Donald Greenslit guilty of killing Stacie DeSantis-Dorego, dismembering her body and trying to burn her remains in a basement fireplace while their children were upstairs in their Johnston home.
The crime occurred in January 2012.
"Over the past few weeks we've listened to her described in terms of evidence and remains. Stacey was a loving daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, friend whose life was tragically cut short," said Jami Ouellette, Dorego's sister.
Greenslit was found guilty after a jury deliberated Friday afternoon and a few hours Monday morning. The guilty verdict was delivered despite the best attempt by the defense to plant doubt in the minds of jurors.
"We felt that the forensics and the science just wasn't done, and not done to such a degree that it created doubt. But what the jury thought was different," said Mark Dana, Greenslit's attorney.
Dorego's family was relieved by the verdict and thanked all involved in the case. They said they will focus on keeping the memory of their loved one alive, especially for her children who are left behind.
"She was our little innocent sister who could brighten any room with her infectious laughter. She was a young, loving mother of three beautiful children who overcame many challenges and continued to work to improve herself for their sakes," said Ouellette.
In addition to murder, Greenslit also was convicted of failing to report Dorego's death, obstructing a firefighter in his duty, and violating a no-contact order.
A defense motion for a new trial will be heard March 29. Sentencing will follow at a later date.
Donald Greenslit
