A 24-year-old North Carolina man, Thomez Hamilton, has been arrested for the brutal murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Isabella Mary Alexandria Stroupe, in Charlotte. The young woman was allegedly tortured for months before Hamilton tied her to a bed with tow straps and repeatedly stabbed her, ultimately leading to her death.
The horrific crime has left the community in shock, and Hamilton now faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree forcible rape.
The Gruesome Discovery
The investigation into Stroupe’s death began in the early hours of May 1 when Hamilton reportedly called 911 from a QuikTrip gas station, claiming that his girlfriend had stopped breathing at his nearby apartment.
Officers rushed to the scene and found Stroupe unconscious, with minimal clothing on and tied down to a bed with tow straps. She had sustained multiple injuries, and paramedics later declared her dead at the scene.
A search of Hamilton’s apartment uncovered disturbing evidence of the abuse Stroupe had endured. Investigators found a bloodied knife wrapped in cellophane, a baseball bat, and a sword, along with clothing items and a mattress stained with blood. The extent of the injuries raised immediate questions about the circumstances surrounding Stroupe’s death.
Hamilton’s Alleged Confession
During his interview with detectives, Hamilton initially claimed that Stroupe had suffered a heart attack while they were having sex. However, the autopsy report contradicted his story. The coroner determined that Stroupe had died from a combination of multiple fractured bones and stab wounds, leading to a ruling of homicide.
Investigators also revealed that Stroupe had been “tortured over a period of several months,” and that she would have been physically incapable of consenting to any sexual activity during this time. The nature of the injuries and evidence discovered at the scene painted a picture of prolonged abuse and cruelty.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Hamilton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree forcible rape. He is currently being held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail. His next court date is set for May 27, 2026, where further details of the case may emerge.
Stroupe’s death has devastated her family, and her sister, Marleigh Bailey, has since created a GoFundMe account to raise money for funeral expenses. In a heartfelt message, Bailey described her sister as a “total bookworm” who enjoyed reading fan fiction. The loss has left a significant hole in their lives, and the family is now seeking help to cover the costs of Stroupe’s burial and memorial service.
Bailey shared in her message, “Our family was completely unprepared for this loss. We never imagined we would be facing such a heartbreaking situation, and now we are struggling to find the resources to give her the farewell she deserves.”
The GoFundMe account has since garnered support from friends and strangers alike, all hoping to offer Stroupe the memorial she deserves.
A Heartbreaking Loss
This tragic incident highlights the extreme violence that Isabella Stroupe suffered at the hands of someone she trusted. As the case progresses, many are left to wonder how such an unspeakable act of cruelty could occur, and how many others may be suffering in similar situations without help.
Hamilton’s arrest brings attention to the dangers of abuse and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence.
