The Crimes That Shaped Our City: Samuel Gorton

Join lawyer and true crime fanatic Kate Itacy for stories about crimes allegedly committed by Warwick citizens or within Warwick city limits.

Today, learn about the crimes of Warwick founder Samuel Gorton, an opinionated colonist who believed in freedom of speech and religion at all costs. Gorton was either banished or sentenced with heresy and seditious conduct by Boston, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Newport, and Providence between 1636-1643 and was nearly sentenced to death. Hear how he avoided the ultimate punishment and went on to establish and shape our city.

Katherine Itacy was born and raised in Warwick, worked as a criminal defense lawyer in the city, and remains a civil rights and criminal justice advocate.

Write to Kate at [email protected].

Visit Kate’s website.