This story was originally published at 1:19 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. It was updated on Wednesday, May 20 at 5:55 p.m. with additional details from the Newport Police Department.
Newport police have identified a suspect in the death of an 85-year-old woman found at a local hotel, saying her son is believed to be responsible in what investigators are calling an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.
On Monday, May 18, at 10:10 a.m., at the request of the Bristol Police Department, Newport police officers responded to room 132 at the Harbor Base Inn at 372 Connell Highway to notify Terry Costello that her 66-year-old son, Bernard Costello, had jumped from the Mount Hope Bridge, police said.
When officers arrived at the hotel room, they found Costello, 85, deceased inside. Based on initial observations of the scene, the responding officers believed the death was suspicious in nature, police said. The scene was secured and a search warrant was obtained for the room. While executing the warrant and continuing the investigation, officers observed that Costello had stab wounds to her upper body.
The Rhode Island State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting its investigation, including an autopsy. The official cause of death has not been determined, but the incident is being investigated as a homicide, police said.
Based on the evidence at the scene, police said Bernard Costello is the primary suspect. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved and said there is no threat to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mike McCabe at 401-845-5771 or mmcabe@newportri.gov.
The Newport Police Department encouraged anyone in crisis to seek help and to check on family members, friends and neighbors who may be struggling.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text “HOME” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency.
