Police have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man, Thomaz Hamilton, over the alleged rape and murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, whose body was discovered inside an apartment in east Charlotte, US.
According to reports, the victim, identified as Isabella Stroupe, was found partially unclothed and restrained inside the apartment on Friday.
Authorities said her boyfriend, Thomaz Hamilton, initially claimed the pair were having sex when she suddenly suffered what he described as a heart attack.
However, an autopsy later ruled the teenager’s death a homicide.
Court documents cited by local media revealed that investigators found evidence suggesting the victim may have suffered prolonged abuse before her death.
The medical examiner also reportedly concluded that she was incapable of consenting to sexual activity at the time of the incident.
During a search of the apartment, police allegedly recovered several items believed to be linked to the case, including weapons, damaged phones, and bloodstained materials.
On Tuesday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Hamilton and charged him with first-degree murder and rape.
Reports also stated that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2020, including previous arrests for weapon-related offences and resisting law enforcement.
Hamilton is expected to appear in court again on May 27.
Read Also: 10-year-old American girl arraigned for rape, attempted murder of 5-year-old
