Police Identify Man Who Reportedly Strangled Woman Close to Death

Police released the identity of the East Providence man who committed suicide in Seekonk after and leaving her for dead in East Providence. 

The suspect, 48-year-old Mario Ponte, assaulted the victim, Lucy Ponte, before midnight on Monday, according to the East Providence Police Department. She was found near death by her 24-year-old son at approximately 7 a.m. the next day and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where she remains in critical condition with severe injuries to her neck.

East Providence police say Ponte hanged himself at a barn on Ferry Dairy Farm on Wheaton Avenue in Seekonk. He worked at the farm.

Ponte was arrested in 1994 and 1995 by Pawtucket police for domestic violence against the victim. They have lived in East Providence for the past seven years, Capt. Richard Frazier said. While residing in the city, East Providence police have not had any contact with them. 

The case remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, the Seekonk Police Department and the East Providence Police Department.