PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Michael Marrapese, the son of a former Rhode Island mobster, pleaded guilty Thursday to the 2019 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Ise, just as jury selection was underway for his trial.
Marrapese admitted to first-degree domestic murder involving aggravated battery or torture, a charge that reflects the brutal nature of Ise’s killing in March 2019. He also pleaded guilty to being a habitual offender, which could increase his sentence.
Court officials confirmed that sentencing is scheduled for July 31.
Marrapese, who had previously pleaded not guilty, changed his plea as the trial was set to begin. The guilty plea marks a high-profile turn in a case tied to a family long associated with organized crime in Rhode Island.
Authorities have not released further details about the nature of the murder or Marrapese’s motive, though the case has drawn attention due to his family’s criminal history.
