CRANSTON, RI — A Cranston woman was charged with killing her severely autistic adult daughter before apparently harming herself, police said.
Anna Maria Angelosanto, 62, was charged with domestic violence — first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 21-year-old daughter, Alexandra Straccia.
Officers were sent to the Kingwood Avenue home of Angelosanto and Straccia shortly after 8:30 a.m. July 27 "after the property's landlord reported a water emergency at the residence," the Cranston Police Department said in media release.
"Upon entering the first-floor apartment, officers located Angelosanto suffering from apparent self-inflicted injuries," the release said.
Angelosanto was transported by Cranston Fire Department rescue personnel to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, according to the release.
"Officers also located Alexandra Straccia deceased inside the residence," the release said. "The Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiner responded to the scene and assumed custody of the victim."
Detectives obtained a search warrant and located a "handwritten note and prescription and over-the-counter medications," according to the release, and "also interviewed family members and Angelosanto during her hospitalization."
"As the investigation progressed, detectives developed probable cause to believe that Angelosanto intentionally caused the death of her daughter before attempting to take her own life," the release said.
"Alexandra Straccia was 21 years old and had severe autism," according to the release. "She was entirely dependent upon her mother for around-the-clock care."
Angelosanto was released from the hospital Friday afternoon and taken to the Adult Correctional Institutions Women's Intake Facility, the release said.
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