Falmouth Man Charged With Murder in Woman's Death at Motel

A Falmouth man has been charged with murder in connection with Monday night's slaying of a Mashpee woman at a Cape Cod motel.

Cleber O. Mariano Jr., 33, is accused of strangling and killing Danielle Taylor, 30, of Mashpee. Mariano is charged with murder, assault and battery on a family/household member, and strangulation and assault with intent to murder, according to a statement from Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe.

An arrest warrant was issued for Mariano, who was locked up in a Rhode Island jail after being released from the hospital, O’Keefe said. Police previously said they believed that the two at some point had a dating relationship.

Just before 7 p.m. Monday, police responded to a call for a well-being check at the CapeWind Waterfront Resort in Teaticket. When they arrived, they found a woman, later identified as Taylor, who was unconscious. A man, later identified as Mariano, was found lying on the bed with injuries to his neck and hand, authorities said.

Taylor was transported to Falmouth Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Mariano was transported by MedFlight to Rhode Island hospital. He was later released and incarcerated in Rhode Island.

Mariano did not agree to waive extradition, and the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office was seeking a governor's warrant to force Mariano to return to Massachusetts to stand trial. Following extradition, Mariano will be arraigned at Falmouth District Court, O’Keefe’s statement said.