19-year-old accused of strangling girlfriend

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A 19-year-old woman was found strangled to death in Covington, and her boyfriend has been charged with murder.

According to family members, Alyssa Wright went to her boyfriend, 19-year-old Elijah Ramoutar’s house Tuesday night.

Wright's family and friends are organizing a candle light vigil in her honor tonight. How the teen is being remembered on Channel 2 Action News starting at 5 p.m.

“We were sitting on the bed, laughing, joking about things that were starting to look up for us. She said, ‘Bye. I love you. I’ll be back,’” the victim’s mother, Melinda Wright said.

Wright said she got mixed messages from her daughter on Wednesday morning through phone calls and on Facebook.

Police soon after found Alyssa Wright dead at her boyfriend’s home.

The medical examiner confirmed that she was strangled to death.

Ramoutar has been charged with murder.

Family members said they never saw this coming.

“He was always a real well-mannered boy. I never had any problems with him, always been respectful,” Melinda Wright said.

Channel 2’s Nicole Carr went to Ramoutar’s house, but no one was home. She spoke with a neighbor who saw the young man Tuesday night.

“I said, ‘How you doing today?’ He never said anything,” Brad Allen said. “Five minutes later, I saw the police and stuff.”

Alyssa Wright and Ramoutar had just gone to prom together in April and graduated in May.

She was studying to go into the medical field and he had plans of joining the Air Force.

The victim’s family just wants answers.

“I don’t wish any harm to him, but I’m angry. I’m hurt and I just want to know why,” Melinda Wright said.

A vigil will be held for Alyssa Wright at her alma mater, Alcovy High School.

The family has set up and GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.

Cox Media Group