Dogs owned by Massachusetts, Rhode Island murder-suicide victim find new home

A tragic story has seen a glimmer of positivity after a Massachusetts woman with Rhode Island ties was killed recently in a murder-suicide.

According to authorities, 24-year-old Loren Marino of Haverhill, and 24-year-old Austin Amaral of North Providence, Rhode Island, were found deceased at Marino’s residence at 195 Broadway on March 3rd when police were called to perform a welfare check at approximately 5:45 p.m.

Both were found with fatal gunshot wounds. It is alleged that Amaral murdered Marino before turning the gun on himself.

Marino was reportedly in a dating relationship with Amaral.

The aspiring nurse was being remembered by those who knew her as a sweet, strong, and smart woman who was loved by many and was the life of the party. In addition to family and friends, the Lowell native and former East Providence resident left behind two dogs, Darla and Spanky, that family members and friends were trying to rehome.

Marino reportedly saved the dogs from being euthanized in Georgia.

In addition to dealing with the loss of her friend, Liv Phelps of Homeless Dogs Humane Society in Rhode Island, began trying to find a new home for Darla and Spanky.

“Spanky has a personality of such a goofy lil goober. I mean that’s where he gets his name. He’s a Spanky lil thang. His momma knew this when she first rescued him after rescuing baby Darla from the same rescue. Darla gets her name from the famous movie The Little Rascals. Her personality is more of a shy girl but when she opens up, she is the life of the party. Her brother Spanky instantly broke Darla out of her super shy personality when he came home. She went from a shy reserved girl to a bouncy ball with her brother by her side.”

On Saturday, Liv, and those following the story, received the news everyone was hoping for.

“Darla and Spanky OFFICIALLY went with an amazingly sweet and compassionate couple this morning. They are interested in giving these babies the loving life they deserve after all they have been through this past week. The first few days the pups will be settling in at their new home and relaxing from all the overwhelming stress. The couple is overjoyed and have fallen so in love with these two in just a matter of a couple hours. I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support, compassion and kindness that I have received from those near and far. You have all touched my heart and I sincerely thank each and every one of you.”

Liv now hopes that her dear friend Loren can rest in peace.

“I know you were there beside me today giving me the strength I so desperately needed. I hope you can now rest peacefully knowing your babies are safe and sound. One may not take pinky promises so seriously but I do – I promised to look out for you always and I’ll never stop.”

In addition to sharing the story of Marino and her dogs, those who knew her are asking those that see red flags in their relationship to leave before it is too late.