A deeply painful tragedy in Cranston, Rhode Island, has left a community grieving after 21-year-old Alexandra Straccia, who had severe autism and relied on her mother for around-the-clock care, was found dead inside the home she shared with her mother.
Police were called to the apartment after the landlord reported a water problem. Inside, officers found Alexandra and her 62-year-old mother, Ana Maria Angelosanto, who was seriously injured in what investigators say was an apparent suicide attempt. Angelosanto was taken to a hospital and survived.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives recovered a handwritten note and medications from the home and interviewed family members and Angelosanto.
According to Cranston police, investigators developed probable cause to believe Angelosanto intentionally caused her daughter’s death before attempting to take her own life.
After being released from the hospital Friday afternoon, Angelosanto was arrested and charged with domestic first-degree murder. She is being held without bail as the investigation continues.
The tragedy has left longtime neighbors struggling to understand what happened.
“It’s a tragedy,” said Frank Oster, a 30-year resident of the neighborhood. “The mother will never be the same again in her life.”
Richard Jennings, who has lived in the neighborhood for 26 years and knew the family, said the news was difficult to comprehend.
“I can’t believe that happened over there. You know, not with these people,” Jennings said. “They were all very friendly people and took care of each other.”
Officials expressed their condolences to Alexandra’s family and everyone mourning the loss of the young woman as the investigation continues.
