HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The investigation continues after a woman was reportedly killed by her estranged husband in Hopkinton over the weekend.

Hopkinton Police Chief Mark Carrier told 12 News that officers rushed to Stubtown Road Friday night and discovered 44-year-old Stephanie Francis had been shot dead.

Her young children were home at the time and they were the ones who called police, according to Carrier.

"It takes its toll, not only on the officers and the families that are involved, but the community," he said. "It's tough for everybody."

Detectives immediately began hunting for the suspect, identified by Rhode Island State Police as 45-year-old Joseph Francis, and warned other departments across the state that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Joseph Francis was seen driving down Route 1 in Westerly on Saturday morning. Police said the officers attempted to pull him over, but were unsuccessful.

Less than an hour later, police caught up with him again on Route 2 in Charlestown.

Joseph Francis led the officers on a high-speed chase through several towns that ended after he crashed while trying to turn onto Nooseneck Hill Road from Dawley Park Road.

State police detectives eventually approached the car and found Joseph Francis dead in the driver's seat. His exact cause of death is unknown at this time.

Joseph Francis had been out on bail after being arrested earlier this year on domestic violence charges, including assault and vandalism, according to Carrier.

The chief added that police confiscated a number of firearms while taking him into custody, as well as high-capacity magazines. He was ordered to stay away from his victim and prohibited from having access to weapons.

"All of the safeguards were in place," Carrier added. "But unfortunately, he chose to go there that night and do harm."

Stephanie Francis had just started working at Wood River Bar and Grill several months prior to her death, according to Jim Larisa, one of the restaurant's owners.

"Our staffed loved her, our customers loved her," Larisa said. "She was just a good person."

Larisa recalled one instance where the mother-of-two bonded with a young server over earrings.

"She always complimented Stephanie on her earrings," Larisa explained. "Stephanie always had a different pair of earrings on. The next shift she came in and she brought an old pair of earrings for her and said, 'I thought these would look adorable on you.' That was her."

"It's a huge loss," he continued. "Not just for the restaurant and the staff ... Especially for her family and this community as a whole."