Portsmouth Murder a "Tragic Case" of Domestic Violence

PORTSMOUTH, RI—The shooting death of 69-year-old Manuel Laureanno Monday night at the hands of his wife in Portsmouth is "another tragic case of domestic violence," said Portsmouth Police Chief Thomas Lee.

Lee, who addressed members of the media Tuesday morning, said that there was no indication of assault prior to the shooting.

Several firearms were found in the house but the murder weapon is believed to be a snub-nosed revolver, police said.

"This shows what a lethal mix of a past history of domestic violence, alcohol and easy accessibility of firearms can result in," Lee said.

Police were dispatched to an apartment at 3028 East Main Road at around 7:17 p.m. after the his alleged killer, Lisa Almeida-Laureanno, called 911.

Lee said that Almeida-Laureanno told police that she had shot her husband.

Officers arrived to find Laureanno dead with at least gunshot wound to the torso.

Almeida-Laureanno, who is now facing a domestic murder charge, is due to be arraigned in Newport County District Court later Tuesday.

The homicide remains under investigation by Portsmouth police, the state Attorney General's office and the state Medical Examiner.

Lee said that police responded to the address in 2009. At the time, Laureanno was arrested for simple assault after allegedly assaulting his wife.

Photo: Mark Schieldrop