Cranston Man Charged With Murdering Estranged Girlfriend

CRANSTON, R.I. -- A Cranston man is facing murder charges after police say he murder his estranged girlfriend. The victim was found dead inside their Bay View Avenue house on Wednesday morning.

Cranston Police say they received word Wednesday morning from Providence Police that the victim, Lauren Ise, 29, was murdered by her estranged boyfriend, Michael Marrapese, 40, in their 245 Bay View Ave. home. Officers found Ise's body inside the house when they arrived for a well-being check.

The homicide investigation continued at the house throughout the afternoon, with police tape closing off Bay View Avenue in the surrounding area.

Witnesses in the area confirmed police suspicion that Marrapese was the prime suspect in Ise's killing. He was arrested later Wednesday afternoon after he was seen walking along Cranston Street in Providence. Police say that although an arrest has been made, the investigation continues as officers continue to search in both Cranston and Providence and as evidence is processed. Marrapese was arraigned on charges of domestic first-degree murder before a justice of the peace on Wednesday, and will be formally arraigned in Third District Court in Warwick on Thursday.

This was not Marrapese's first encounter with law enforcement. Officers were previously called to the Bay View Avenue house for domestic disturbances between him and the victim. At the time of the murder, Marrapese was not living in the house and while Ise did not have a protective order against him, she had said that she felt threatened by him.

"This homicide appears to be another instance of a volatile domestic relationship that escalated and resulted in the loss of human life," Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said. "Individuals involved in abusive relationships often feel helpless or fearful of reporting these incidents to anyone and seeking a protection order. I hope that these victims recognize help is available, to include temporary shelter and other resources. It is critical that victims contact law enforcement, a domestic violence advocate, family member or friend."

Winquist continued that the department is lucky to have advocates through the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center who assist officers with domestic violence cases and follow up with victims to help provide support. The center has a wide variety of resources available to victims, and the advocates are there to help guide them through the process. Anyone is need of assistance can contact the center's hotline any time of day, seven days a week, by calling 1-800-494-8100.

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