HAVERHILL, MA – A terrifying murder-suicide incident involving a young couple in Massachusetts has left a community and family in mourning. A 24-year-old aspiring nurse, Loren Marino, who was in a new relationship, was tragically gunned down by her boyfriend, Austin Amaral, also 24.
The gruesome discovery of both bodies, with fatal gunshot wounds, was made by a downstairs neighbor around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday in Marino’s apartment in Haverhill. According to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, their two pet dogs were also found near the scene.
Marino had been in a relationship with Amaral for roughly two months before the tragic incident. Her close friend, Katie Iandolo, revealed to the media that Amaral displayed an unusual level of obsession with Marino. Iandolo claimed that Amaral was insistent on being the only significant person in Marino’s life.
Concerning signals pertaining to Amaral’s deranged behavior were noticed weeks before the murder-suicide. Amaral allegedly showed Iandolo two firearms inside Marino’s apartment, revealing his violent tendencies. Nevertheless, Marino assured her worried friend that everything was under control.
Iandolo recounted an episode where Amaral had violently assaulted Marino, leaving her distraught. As Amaral became more abusive and controlling, Marino was coerced into severing her ties with Iandolo on various social media platforms.
Reacting to the tragic loss of her friend, Iandolo expressed her grief and urged others to be aware of the potential dangers that might lurk within personal relationships, encouraging them not to disregard the early indicators of potential abuse.
Marino, once an individual full of life and enthusiasm, lost her life to a senseless act of violence perpetrated by someone she knew. She was an East Providence, Rhode Island native and leaves behind her parents, stepfather, and four siblings.
In the wake of this tragic incident, Marino’s friends are now coordinating efforts to find foster homes for her two pet dogs.