21-year-old Portsmouth woman fighting for her life as family members concerned suspect in her assault will be released

As a local woman fights for her life, those who know her are concerned that the suspect in her assault could go free.

According to family members and a GoFundMe fundraiser, Kate of Portsmouth, RI is in the hospital, attempting to heal after what has been described as a horrific assault.

According to scanner transmissions, a call came into dispatch just after 11:30 a.m. Friday for a female unconscious but breathing on the 20 block of Carey Street in Newport.

Kate is in critical condition, and her family and friends are concerned that the 21-year-old person of interest in the case could be released on bail.

Loved ones are hoping the Attorney General’s Office will keep him behind bars.

Kate’s sister, through the fundraiser, gave some background on Kate and touched on her situation.

“Kate attended Pennfield School in her early years, later graduating Portsmouth High School in 2022. She is about to transfer to URI to study business, and has been a friendly face at the YMCA for years. She is an avid member of the community, is learning to knit, loves listening to music, way more talented at makeup than I ever could be, and loves with her entire soul. If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship, please take action and find out more information on how you can help.”

In an update, Newport Patch is reporting that 21-year-old Preston Schuster has been charged with felony domestic assault and felony possession of a knife during the commission of a crime and is being held on $100,000 bail.

Schuster’s arraignment in Newport District Court is scheduled for Tuesday.