Woman, 19, found dead after allegedly being tortured for months; boyfriend arrested

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - North Carolina authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old woman who was found dead in an apartment last week.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, officers found 19-year-old Isabella Alexandria Stroupe deceased on Friday.

Police said Stroupe’s boyfriend, later identified as 24-year-old Thomaz Kenon Hamilton, called officers about her not breathing around 3:30 a.m.

Officers said they first met Hamilton regarding the situation at a QT gas station near the apartment complex.

First responders reported that Stroupe was pronounced dead around 3:40 a.m.

According to an affidavit, the 19-year-old was found in an apartment bedroom with minimal clothing on and bound to the bed by a tow strap with multiple injuries.

Investigators said Hamilton told them that the two were having sexual intercourse when he suspected she had a heart attack. The 24-year-old also said they were living together as girlfriend and boyfriend.

Stroupe’s death has since been ruled a homicide, authorities said. Noting that she was found with broken and fractured bones and stab wounds.

Detectives said that a knife wrapped in cellophane with possible blood on it, a baseball bat, a sword, multiple cell phones (some broken), clothing with possible blood and a mattress that appeared to have blood on it were additionally found.

Stroupe was being tortured over a period of several months, the affidavit stated, with her not being physically able to provide consent for sexual intercourse.”

Hamilton was arrested on Friday. His charges include first-degree murder and first-degree rape in connection with Stroupe’s death.