Portsmouth Murder: Ramsey Pleads Guilty in Newport Superior Court

NEWPORT, RI — Raymond Ramsey, 51, pleaded guilty today in Newport Superior Court to the murder of his girl friend, Yolanda McArdle, 42.

He stabbed her 11 times, according to the statement from Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin's office.

He was sentenced to life in prison "for the charge of second degree murder domestic and 10 years, to serve concurrent, for the charge of violating a no contact order," Kilmartin's office said.

Ramsey took the deal, but the State was prepared to prove the case, if he hadn't, Kilmartin's office said.

"At approximately 10:30 p.m. on the September 8, 2015, the Portsmouth Police received a phone call from an individual who lived downstairs from the defendant and victim in the apartment complex located at 100 Almeida Terrace. The neighbor reported hearing loud noises from the apartment directly above hers.

"Portsmouth Police responded to the apartment complex to investigate. When a police officer knocked on the apartment door, the defendant partially opened the door. The police officer observed a large amount of blood on the defendant and on the floor of the apartment. He also observed a female, later identified as the victim, lying motionless and covered in blood on a nearby bed.

"The defendant was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment for what appeared to be stab wounds to his chest and right hand. While being transported to the hospital, and multiple times while being treated at Rhode Island Hospital, the defendant stated his wounds were self-inflicted and that he had murdered Ms. McArdle.

"An autopsy conducted by the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ms. McArdle sustained 11 stab wounds to her body.

“This is another tragic case of domestic violence escalating to murder. Unfortunately, it happens all too often. I hope that anyone who is in an abusive relationship sees this as a wakeup call that it can happen to them and seek help from law enforcement, domestic violence outreach organizations, and family to safely escape the violence,” said Attorney General Kilmartin.

Back in 2015, the Patch reported that Portsmouth police Chief Thomas Lee confirmed "police had responded to domestic incidents several times in the past and Ramsey was arrested for domestic assault and battery just three months before the murder, which led to a no-contact order being issued.

"Ramsey was free on bail at the time of the murder and the crime highlighted the frequency of repeat domestic violence offenses plaguing Rhode Island families and the obstacles facing victims."