Newport This Week

Warrants Issued in Stabbing Death



Maximus H. Julian

Maximus H. Julian

A stabbing in Newport over the Memorial Day weekend has resulted in the death of a Little Compton man. Maximus H. Julian, 22 died, June 1 from injuries sustained from an altercation at a house party at 548 Thames Street, according to the Newport Police Department.

On June 2, the police obtained an arrest warrant for 18-year-old Tyrese Poulsen for the murder of Julian.

“Officers located Maximus Julian suffering from a stab wound to his neck along with another male who suffered a stab wound to his leg. Both males were ultimately transported to Rhode Island Hospital,” said April Amaral, Newport Police Department public information officer.

Amaral said that the police investigators determined a party had taken place at 548 Thames Street and a physical fight took place between Julian, Poulsen, and Jamaal Reid.

An affidavit and arrest warrant has been obtained for 19-year-old Reid for Harboring a Criminal and Disorderly Conduct, according to Amaral.

Tyrese Poulsen, 18, Wanted for Murder and (right) Jamaal Reid, 19, Wanted for Harboring a Criminal and Disorderly Fighting

Tyrese Poulsen, 18, Wanted for Murder and (right) Jamaal Reid, 19, Wanted for Harboring a Criminal and Disorderly Fighting

“The Newport Police Department is actively working on this case so the victim’s family can have closure to such a tragic and unnecessary incident,” said April Amaral, Newport Police Department public information officer.

The two stabbings occurred in the vicinity of 546 and 548 Thames St. at a property owned by Chris Bicho. The location is part of Newport Lofts, a division of Bicho’s Landings Real Estate Group.

“We are very sad to hear this awful news. The loss of a life is a tragic event; especially a young man with years ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” Bicho said.

Julian was in his last semester at the University of Rhode Island, studying business, and was about to graduate with high honors, according to a post on a GoFundMe page that was created to help pay for funeral expenses.

“Outside of school, he loved to ride BMX,” the post read. “Max also loved to go fishing, and worked on a commercial fishing boat out of Sakonnet Point in Little Compton. Max was a shining light in the world, and will forever be remembered as being full of generosity, life and love.”

“The murder of Maximus Julian has shocked people in our city,” said City Councilor Kate Leonard, who represents the ward where the incident happened. “Here was a young man scheduled to graduate from URI with honors who is now dead. People have been calling, texting, and emailing me as to how this could happen in Newport. We are being told by the media that local students seem to be involved.

“We have to recognize that there is a lot of ugly behavior around the country. Newport just received a reality check in what has happened here,” she added. “Everyone feels a sadness for the young man who has passed away, and his family, who have to bear the burden of the loss.”

John Woznakewicz, a longtime Middletown resident who recently created Newport Escape Room, located across from 546 Thames St. said that the neighborhood is normally quiet at that time of night.

A red backpack with the word “basketball” and a large “R” was found at the 546 Thames St. property, Bicho told Newport This Week, which has obtained a photo of the backpack.

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