Charlotte Man Faces Murder and Rape Charges Following Discovery of Bound Victim

Authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, have taken 24-year-old Thomaz Hamilton into custody following the discovery of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Isabella Stroupe, deceased inside their shared apartment. Police arrived at the residence on May 1 after Hamilton contacted emergency services, claiming the victim had suffered a medical emergency. Upon entering the bedroom, officers found Stroupe bound to a bed with a tow strap and suffering from visible injuries, including stab wounds and broken bones. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators have since ruled the case a homicide.

Evidence recovered from the apartment suggests a prolonged period of abuse. Investigators discovered a blood-stained knife, a baseball bat, and a sword, leading them to conclude that Stroupe had been subjected to systematic torture for several months. Court documents indicate that the victim’s physical condition rendered her unable to consent to sexual activity, resulting in Hamilton facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree rape. While Hamilton initially attempted to characterize the death as a medical incident, the findings of the investigation have led to his current incarceration. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 27 to address the serious allegations brought against him.