Crime & Safety

Suicidal Son Eyed As Suspect In Stabbing Of Woman Found Slain In Newport Motel: Cops

The police found the woman after they went to inform her of her son leaping to his death from the Mount Hope Bridge, police said.

NEWPORT, RI — The suicidal son of a woman found slain in a Newport motel is the "primary suspect" in her stabbing death, police said.

Officers found the body of 85-year-old Terry Costello in room 132 of the Harbor Base Inn on Connell Highway Monday morning when they went to inform her of her son leaping to his death from the Mount Hope Bridge in Bristol, the Newport police said in a media release.

Related: Newport Motel Killing Poses No Known Threat To Public: Police

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Costello had suffered stab wounds to her upper, according to the release.

Related: Newport Officers Making Death Notification After Bridge-Jumper Suicide Find Slain Woman In Motel Room: Cops

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Police identified the son, 66-year-old Bernard Costello, as the "primary suspect" in his mother's homicide.

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"We are confirming that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety as we do not believe there was anyone else involved," the release said. "Preliminary investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to public safety."

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The police asked anyone with information about the matter to call Detective Mike McCabe at 401-845-5771 or to email him at mmcabe@newportri.gov.

See also: West Warwick Man Killed In Cranston Motorcycle Crash: Cops

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can get help by calling 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

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