Neighbors help kids of Johnston crime

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - A Johnston man is behind bars, charged with killing his common-law wife . Donald Greenslit was ordered held without bail, following his arraignment in Kent County Court Tuesday.

He's accused of killing Stacie M. Dorego, 39, and trying to burn her dismembered remains in the fireplace of their Johnston home.

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Police said Greenslit confessed to fatally stabbing Dorego. He reportedly told police he was acting in self-defense, and that Dorego tried to attack him with a knife.

"He claims that it was self-defense, that she tried to attack him with a knife - he fended her off and in the process of fending her off  he stabbed her which caused her to die. The only way he thought he could remedy the situation was to dispose of the body in the fireplace", said Deputy Chief DeCesare.

The couple's two young children - ages three and five - were in the house when firefighters responded to the home . They were taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation.

Now, neighbors of Dorego are collecting donations for the children who lost both of their parents.

"I feel so bad for the children. They're without their mother. Without their father. They have nothing," said Cara Mallozzi, a neighbor.

Cara and Thomas Mallozzi live near the gruesome crime scene. Though they didn't know Stacie Dorego and Donald Greenslit's young children, they felt they had to help.

"They can't go back into their house. Get anything that they're comforted by. No parents. And it's heartbreaking," continued Cara.

Cara sent a text message to family and friends asking for donations of clothes, pajamas, books and toys, for the little boy and little girl who were home when their father allegedly killed their mother.

The Mallozzi's family and friends have pledged their support, but Cara and Thomas are hoping to get the entire community involved, to help the youngest victims of an unthinkable crime.

"Two kids just lost their parents. They have nothing. I wish I had more to give," said Thomas Mallozzi.

The Mallozzis will be accepting donations for the children for the next month. They are not accepting cash.

Any one wanting to make a donation can contact Cara Mallozzi at 401-433-8886 or send her an email at caramallozzi@gmail.com .

UPDATE: The town's fire department is now accepting the donations and has included information about their website. Cara Mallozzi said she received more than 200 calls and emails from people with gifts for the children of Stacie Dorego.    

The following is a statement from the family of Stacie DeSantis-Dorego:

The family of Stacie DeSantis-Dorego are overcome with the kindness and generosity of the people of Rhode Island. Out of this unfathomable tragedy have emerged angels. Happily we have our niece and nephew with us; however we cannot even begin to imagine what all their needs will be. What we do know is that the support and gifts you are offering will make a difference.

Donations of gifts cards will be used to purchase items that will meet the children's immediate needs. For example cards to Stop & Shop, Dave's, and Shaw's would be helpful in meeting their nutritional needs. In addition, gift cards to Walmart, Target and other major chains will enable us to purchase items for their other needs. Gift cards can be dropped off at the Johnston Fire Department Headquarters.

Many of you have offered to give monetary donations. We are setting up a mechanism for such donations. Please visit this site tomorrow for details.

The love and support of people like you are what is helping us getting through the challenges we are facing each day. It is really important to us that we know who you are. Please include your contact information so that we may thank you.

With gratitude,

The DeSantis Family

If you wish to help, Please drop off or mail donations to:

Johnston Fire Department
c/o The Dorego Children
1520 Atwood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
401-351-1600

Meanwhile, a judge ordered Greenslit held without bail Tuesday. He is facing six charges including domestic murder, violation of a no-contact order, obstructing a firefighter, disorderly conduct, and two counts of child abuse.

Greenslit has a hearing date scheduled for February 7.