METHUEN—A chilling tragedy unfolded at a quiet family home, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old man, Anthony Nunez-Romano, for the murder of his mother, Dominga Romano, aged 55. The shocking incident took place on December 30, 2025, casting a dark shadow over a community that knew Romano as a dedicated Spanish teacher and beloved volunteer.

Reports indicate that police arrived at the Methuen residence around 5 PM after friends expressed concern about Romano’s well-being. When officers arrived, they found Nunez-Romano at the home, where he allegedly concocted a bizarre story about a bullet coming through the window, claiming his mother had been shot in the back. But an investigation quickly unraveled this tale.

Inside the home, officers discovered a grim scene: Romano’s lifeless body wrapped in a comforter, with her face covered in paper towels. Authorities found a 9mm Glock and shell casings scattered throughout the house, alongside noticeable bullet holes in the walls. Prosecutor Paige Timko reported that signs of rigor mortis were evident, indicating the time elapsed since her death.

While Nunez-Romano pleaded not guilty to the charges, including unlawful firearm possession and tampering with a weapon's serial number, court documents revealed troubling details about his mental state. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and autism, he allegedly pressured his mother to transfer ownership of their home to him, raising questions about the family dynamics at play. Police had previously been called to the residence for mental health evaluations involving Nunez-Romano.

With the community mourning the loss of a cherished teacher, Nunez-Romano remains held without bail, facing the prospect of a probable cause hearing set for February 20, 2026. The death of Dominga Romano not only marks a heartbreaking family tragedy but also highlights deeper issues of mental health and familial strife in Methuen.