Murder of Thomas “TJ” Wright
In 2004, Katherine Bunnell’s 3-year-old nephew, Thomas Wright, lived with her while his mother was in prison.
On October 30th, 2004, Bunnell, her boyfriend Gilbert Delestre, and Delestre’s cousin left the toddler with a 15-year-old babysitter.
When the couple came home, they saw spilled milk and yogurt in the living room.
They were enraged. Delestre went upstairs and smacked the child a few times.
Bunnell then took him down the stairs. She proceeded to hit the child multiple times, causing him to fall over.
She then poured milk on his head and, according to the babysitter, threw him across the room into a wall.
Delestre’s cousin, who was outside in the car when the beating occurred, contacted 911 as soon as he saw the child’s condition, but Bunnell hung up the phone.
He also tried to resuscitate Wright while Bunnell attempted to stop him.
Wright died from blunt force trauma. Police arrested Bunnell & Delestre the same day.
Legal Proceedings
Bunnell was convicted of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder on May 16th, 2008. She was sentenced to life plus 10 years. Delestre was also sentenced to life plus 10 years on October 6th, 2008.
According to WPRI, Bunnell was denied Parole in November 2024.
DOB:
1983Conviction(s):
- Second-degree murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
Accomplice(s):
- Gilbert Delestre
Date of crime:
October 30th, 2004Location(s):
Woonsocket, RIDate of arrest:
Same DayDetails:
Beat her 3 year old nephew to death over spilled food.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Thomas Wright (3)
Method:
BeatingSentence:
Life in prison plus 10 yearsCurrent whereabouts:
Department Of Corrections: Women's Facilities in Cranston, RILast Updated on 08/23/2026
