Methuen, Massachusetts, January 21, 2026
A 26-year-old Methuen man, Anthony Nunez-Romano, has been charged with murder in the death of his mother, Dominga Romano, a respected educator. Her body was discovered after a welfare check at their home. The tragic incident has stirred deep sorrow in the Merrimack Valley community, where Romano was known for her dedication as a Spanish teacher. Nunez-Romano has pleaded not guilty and has been held without bail as investigations continue.
Methuen
A profound sorrow settled over the Merrimack Valley community as a Methuen man, Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, was arraigned on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his mother, Dominga Romano, 55, a revered Spanish teacher at Lawrence High School [cite: 7, 9, Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6]. The somber proceedings in Lawrence District Court followed the discovery of Ms. Romano’s body at the shared Lyndale Avenue home on Monday, December 29, 2025 [cite: Search Result 4]. Authorities responded to the residence after a welfare check was requested, finding Ms. Romano unresponsive inside [cite: 1, 3, Search Result 3, Search Result 6].
The incident, which investigators initially termed an “apparent homicide,” drew law enforcement officials to the scene, including Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara [cite: 1, 3, Search Result 3, Search Result 7]. Mr. Nunez-Romano was charged with murder and additional firearms-related offenses [cite: 7, Search Result 2, Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6]. During his arraignment, he entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and was subsequently ordered held without bail [cite: Search Result 6].
Details of the Investigation and Discovery
The grim discovery of Ms. Romano occurred during a welfare check requested by a close friend after communication with the teacher abruptly ceased around 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025 [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6]. Upon entering the home on Monday afternoon, police were reportedly told by Mr. Nunez-Romano that a bullet had come through a window, striking his mother [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6]. Officers ascended to a second-floor bedroom, where they located Ms. Romano’s body. She was found wrapped in paper towels and covered by a comforter, exhibiting signs consistent with rigor mortis and being cold to the touch [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
Further investigation revealed critical evidence within the residence. Police reported finding three bullet holes on the first floor, along with spent 9mm shell casings. A 9mm Glock pistol was also discovered, reportedly hidden in a kitchen drawer [cite: Search Result 6]. Prosecutors indicated that Ms. Romano had sustained gunshot wounds to her right hip and neck [cite: Search Result 6].
A Community Mourns a Dedicated Educator
Dominga Romano was a dedicated Spanish teacher at Lawrence High School, a role she had held for a considerable time [cite: Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6, Search Result 7]. Her presence was described by neighbors and colleagues as consistently upbeat and kind, leaving an indelible mark on both her students and the broader community [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 7]. Colleagues remembered her as a lovely woman with a beautiful heart, who brought cheer to her workplace daily [cite: Search Result 2, Search Result 4, Search Result 7]. The news of her passing sent shockwaves through the Lawrence Public Schools, which confirmed her employment and expressed profound sadness over the incident [cite: Search Result 3]. The quiet dignity of her life as an educator, nurturing young minds, contrasts sharply with the abrupt and tragic circumstances of her death, leaving many to reflect on the unseen complexities that sometimes reside within the closest human bonds.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The arraignment of Anthony Nunez-Romano marked an initial step in a legal process that will seek to understand the full scope of this lamentable event. The case remains under active investigation by Massachusetts State Police and local authorities, with further details anticipated as the judicial proceedings unfold [cite: Search Result 3, Search Result 7].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Methuen, Massachusetts?
- A Methuen man, Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, was charged with murder in connection with the death of his mother, Dominga Romano, 55, a Lawrence High School teacher. Her body was found at their shared home on Lyndale Avenue after a welfare check [cite: 7, 9, Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
- When did the incident occur?
- Dominga Romano’s body was discovered on Monday, December 29, 2025, following a welfare check. Anthony Nunez-Romano was arraigned on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
- Who is the victim?
- The victim is Dominga Romano, 55, a Spanish teacher at Lawrence High School [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
- Who is the accused?
- The accused is Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, of Methuen, the victim’s son [cite: 7, Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
- What charges is Anthony Nunez-Romano facing?
- He is facing a murder charge and additional firearms-related offenses [cite: 7, Search Result 2, Search Result 3, Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
- What was discovered at the scene?
- Police found Dominga Romano’s body wrapped in paper towels and a comforter in a second-floor bedroom. Three bullet holes, spent 9mm shell casings, and a 9mm Glock pistol were also found in the home [cite: Search Result 4, Search Result 6].
Key Details of the Methuen Homicide Investigation
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Lyndale Avenue home, Methuen, Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts |
| Date of Discovery | Monday, December 29, 2025 |
| Accused Individual | Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, of Methuen |
| Victim | Dominga Romano, 55, Spanish teacher at Lawrence High School |
| Charges | Murder, firearms-related offenses |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Bail Status | Held without bail |
| Evidence Found | Body wrapped in paper towels and comforter, three bullet holes, spent 9mm shell casings, 9mm Glock pistol |
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