Beaten, Strangled E.P. Woman Dies

An East Providence woman who was severely beaten and strangled by her husband on Aug. 13 died from her injuries on Sunday evening, Oct. 7, East Providence police confirmed Monday.

Lucy Ponte, 54, was allegedly beaten by her husband Mario Ponte, 48, and reportedly left for dead in their Larchwood Drive home in the Rumford section of the city.

He was found dead from an apparent suicide later that day at Ferry Dairy Farm in Seekonk, Mass., where he worked.

Ponte assaulted his wife before midnight on Monday, Aug. 12, according to the East Providence Police Department. She was found near death by her 24-year-old son at approximately 7 the next morning.

The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, where she remained in critical condition since the assault.

Ponte had a record of domestic assault against his wife, according to the Pawtucket police. He was arrested in 1994 and 1995 and charged with domestic violence.

The Pontes lived in East Providence for the past seven years, according to East Providence police. While living in the city, the police had no contact with them. 

Ponte reportedly hung himself in a barn at the Seekonk farm. His wife received severe injuries to her neck, according to authorities. It is not known if those injuries caused her death on Sunday evening.