RI students learn dangers of domestic violence through woman's murder

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WJAR) — Valentine's Day focuses on the positive side of love.

But too often, relationships turn violent.

Central Falls High School students on Wednesday learned the dangers of domestic violence through the story of 18-year old Lauren Dunne Astley, who was killed by an ex-boyfriend in 2011.

"You may not all know the hard news. Lauren was beaten, strangled and stabbed by her former boyfriend, as I mentioned," Dr. Malcolm Astley said to a crowd of students. "He's now serving a life sentence in prison without parole."

It was a Massachusetts murder that gained national attention.

Now, her death is the driving force behind The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Foundation, targeting teens.

NBC 10's Lindsay Iadeluca reports.