Crime & Safety

Police Identify Man Who Reportedly Strangled Woman Close to Death

Mario Ponte, 48, reportedly committed suicide in Seekonk, MA, after leaving a woman for dead. The victim remains in critical condition.

Police released the identity of the East Providence man who committed suicide in Seekonk, MA, after and leaving her for dead in a Larchwood Drive home. 

The suspect is Mario Ponte, 48, reportedly assaulted the victim, Lucy Ponte, 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 a.m. the next morning. She was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

In '94 and '95, Ponte was arrested twice by Pawtucket Police for domestic violence against the victim. They have lived in East Providence for the past seven years, reported Capt. Richard Frazier. While residing in the city, East Providence police have not had any contact with them. 

Find out what's happening in East Providencewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The case remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, the Seekonk Police Department and the East Providence Police Department.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.