CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TCN) — A 24-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape in connection with the death of his 19-year-old girlfriend, who was found dead and bound to a bed inside an apartment.
KPTV reports that on May 1, Thomaz Hamilton called the police to say that his girlfriend, Isabella Stroupe, was not breathing. Responding officers found Stroupe in a bedroom, wearing little clothing and bound to the bed. She reportedly had multiple injuries, including broken bones and stab wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KPTV, Hamilton allegedly told authorities that he and Stroupe were having sex when she suffered from what he believed to be a heart attack.
A search of the apartment found a knife wrapped in cellophane with blood on it, a baseball bat, a sword, and clothing and a mattress possibly stained with blood, according to the affidavit. Stroupe was bound to the bed using a tow strap and investigators believe she had been tortured for a period of months leading up to her death. WCNC reports that according to the affidavit, Stroupe would have been physically unable to consent to having sex with Hamilton.
Stroup’s death was ruled a homicide, and Hamilton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape, according to KPTV.
A GoFundMe page set up by Stroupe’s sister, Marleigh Bailey, describes Stroupe as a bookworm who loved fan fiction and My Little Pony. Bailey wrote, “Our family was completely unprepared for this loss. We never imagined we would be facing such a heartbreaking situation. … Her creativity brought so much joy to our family. Remembering her passion for books and the happiness she brought to those around her makes this loss even harder.”
Per WCNC, Hamilton’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 27.
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