Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio, widely loved for his heartfelt and often viral moments in the courtroom, has died at the age of 88, his family announced Wednesday.
Caprio, who became an internet sensation for his compassionate rulings on the show Caught in Providence, passed away following a long fight with pancreatic cancer. Just hours before the news of his passing, a video surfaced in which the judge thanked his supporters for their thoughts and prayers.
“Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” Caprio said in the post.
In tribute, Governor Dan McKee ordered Rhode Island flags to be flown at half-staff until Caprio’s interment. “Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure. As we mourn his passing, my thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him,” McKee wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The family’s announcement described him as more than just a respected jurist: “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
Memorable Moments from Judge Caprio’s Courtroom
“I’m not going to waste your time, I’m guilty”
An older woman admitted guilt immediately, saying she didn’t want to waste time. Judge Caprio jokingly replied, “No—I just got lucky,” before lowering her fines and setting lenient payment terms.
“The power of a smile”
When a college student gave a weak excuse for her parking ticket, her genuine smile moved Caprio to dismiss the case entirely. “One thing you can’t fake is a smile,” he told her.
“Five days in jail”
A single mother of five appeared in court for a minor speeding violation. Caprio asked her child what the punishment should be, and the child innocently suggested, “five days in jail.” The courtroom erupted in laughter, and Caprio dismissed the case, asking the child to repeat: “This case is dismissed.”
Compassion for a 96-year-old dad
A 96-year-old man was ticketed for speeding in a school zone but explained he was on his way to take his handicapped son to a medical appointment. Deeply moved, Caprio dismissed the ticket and praised the father’s dedication.
