Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, from Methuen, Massachusetts, faces murder charges after allegedly shooting his mother, Dominga Romano, 55, multiple times in her home on December 29, 2025. Police discovered her body during a wellness check on December 29, wrapped in a comforter with paper towels around her face, showing signs of rigor mortis and cold to the touch. Gunshot wounds were to her hip and neck; a gun with a defaced serial number and shell casings were found nearby, linked to Nunez-Romano’s wallet.
Key Details from Investigation
- Motive: Witnesses reported Nunez-Romano’s obsession with inheriting the house, stating he believed he’d get it “dead or alive.” Family described him as aggressive and unstable, with prior pressure on Romano to transfer ownership.
- Mental Health: Diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia, per family and witnesses.
- Scene Evidence: He initially claimed she was shot through a window. The pair lived together in the two-story home.
- Victim Background: Romano was a beloved Spanish teacher at a local school, remembered as a “really good woman” by friends and family.
Court Proceedings
Nunez-Romano pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday (likely December 30, 2025). Assistant DA Paige Timko detailed the evidence. A relative shouted at him in court. He’s held without bail, with a probable cause hearing set for February 20, 2026.
This case highlights tensions around mental health, family property disputes, and inheritance obsessions. Sources include WCVB, WBTS, and Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra reports. For legal updates, check Essex County Superior Court records or local outlets like Boston.com.
