Amanda Strous - a murder victim in Charlotte, North Carolina

Amanda Strous and Cory McCleaf

Amanda Strous, age 27, died on June 18, 2016, at a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

During the afternoon, Amanda was at home in her apartment and was writing out thank-you notes to friends who had attended a bridal shower held for her. Her roommate was not home that day. Her fiancé, Cory McCleaf, was out of town.

A fire broke out in Amanda's apartment building sometime after 5:00 p.m.  Amanda was rushed to a nearby hospital where, tragically, she was pronounced deceased. 

Amanda's upstairs neighbor, Mathew Benner, age 28, allegedly set the fire. He was apprehended on June 20, 2016, near Las Vegas, Nevada. It has been reported that he has confessed to setting the fire but no motive has been provided. He may have been stalking Amanda prior to her death.

Mathew Benner will be facing numerous charges related to Amanda's death including murder. 

A funding site has been set up to help Amanda's loved ones with expenses.

Amanda was originally from Pennsylvania, where she had attended Dallastown High

Father, place Amanda on the Stairway to
Heaven.

School and then Shippensburg University. She had earned a degree in psychology.  She and her fiancé moved to Charlotte due to employment opportunities. She was working as a counselor at a community college in Charlotte. 

Amanda's wedding to Cory McCleaf was scheduled for July 30, 2016. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. 

Friends describe Amanda as beautiful, intelligent, helpful and positive. She will be forever remembered. 

Amanda's fiancé, Cory McCleaf, stated that Amanda was the light of his world. 

Amanda's loved ones are devastated over her senseless and tragic death. Amanda was a loving woman and a person of faith. She was down to earth, genuine and compassionate. She did her best. She will be forever mourned.

Oceans of tears have been shed for this young woman.

Amanda is survived by many loving friends and family members including her mother, Crystal; her father, Eric; two siblings; and her fiancé, Cory. 

Pray for justice for Amanda. 

God save us from the Lost Ones who bring death to others. Amen. 

Pray that Amanda is in Heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.