A 24-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape following the death of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Isabella Stroupe, who was found dead and bound to a bed inside an apartment in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Incident
On May 1, Thomaz Hamilton called the police to report that Stroupe was not breathing. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Stroupe in a bedroom, bound to a bed and wearing little clothing. She had multiple injuries, including broken bones and stab wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton’s Statement and Evidence
According to an arrest affidavit, Hamilton told authorities that he and Stroupe had been engaged in sexual activity when she suddenly collapsed, and he believed she suffered a heart attack. However, investigators found a bloodstained knife wrapped in cellophane, a baseball bat, a sword, and blood-stained clothing and a mattress in the apartment.
Stroupe was reportedly bound to the bed with a tow strap, and authorities believe she had been tortured for an extended period leading up to her death. The affidavit also noted that Stroupe would have been physically unable to consent to the sexual act with Hamilton.
Arrest and Charges
Stroupe’s death was ruled a homicide, and Hamilton was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree rape. He is currently being held in custody.
Family’s Tribute
A GoFundMe page created by Stroupe’s sister, Marleigh Bailey, paints a picture of the victim as a creative and passionate young woman who loved fan fiction and My Little Pony. Bailey described the loss as heartbreaking and expressed how difficult it was for their family to come to terms with the tragedy. “Her creativity brought so much joy to our family,” Bailey wrote, remembering Stroupe’s love of books and the happiness she shared with those around her.
The case is ongoing, and Hamilton’s legal proceedings are set to continue.
