A tragic domestic incident in Methuen, Massachusetts, claimed the life of Dominga Romano, a 55-year-old dedicated educator and longtime resident, on Monday, December 29, 2025. Methuen Police responded to a welfare check at a home on Lyndale Avenue around 5:00 p.m., prompted by concerns from a relative who had not heard from her since Christmas morning and was denied entry by her son.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Romano deceased inside the residence from what authorities determined to be gunshot wounds. The scene was secured immediately, with the street closed to traffic and pedestrians while investigators from Methuen Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the Essex County District Attorney’s office conducted a thorough examination.
A firearm was located in a kitchen drawer, along with spent shell casings nearby, as part of the evidence collection that continued into the night. This shocking event unfolded in a quiet residential neighborhood, leaving the Merrimack Valley community stunned by the sudden loss of a woman known for her warmth and service.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Romano’s 26-year-old son, Anthony Nunez-Romano, who shared the home with her at the property she owned. He was taken into custody at the scene and arraigned the following day, December 30, 2025, in Lawrence District Court on charges including murder, possession of a firearm without an identification card, and defacing a firearm’s serial number.
He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail, with a probable cause hearing scheduled for February 20, 2026. Family members informed investigators of his diagnoses of autism and schizophrenia, while witnesses reported statements about inheritance intentions related to the home. The case, led by the Essex County District Attorney’s office, underscores the complexities of domestic situations that can escalate unexpectedly in otherwise ordinary settings.
Dominga Romano had built a distinguished 15-year career at Lawrence High School, where she served as a Spanish teacher after beginning her tenure as a paraprofessional. Her profound impact on countless students and colleagues stemmed from her exceptional dedication, energy, and passion for education, as highlighted in statements from Lawrence Public Schools leadership.
Additionally, Romano extended her commitment to education by teaching as an adjunct instructor in Early Childhood Education at Urban College of Boston, where colleagues remembered her as an exemplary professional whose presence inspired those around her. Her work reflected a deep vocation for nurturing growth in others, contributing to the educational fabric of the region through consistent, heartfelt guidance.
Romano’s life in Methuen and her professional world in nearby Lawrence highlighted her role as a pillar in both family and community spheres. As a Dominican educator, she brought cultural richness and empathy to her classrooms, connecting deeply with students from varied backgrounds in a city celebrated for its multicultural vibrancy. Her daily commitment to teaching Spanish and supporting early childhood development demonstrated a lifestyle centered on service, lifelong learning, and positive influence.
The news of Romano’s death has reverberated through Lawrence High School and the broader educational community, where she was remembered as a distinguished colleague, friend, and mentor whose laughter, energy, and unwavering commitment to excellence left an indelible mark. Her passing has prompted reflection on the profound contributions of educators who quietly dedicate themselves to others’ success.
In the neighborhoods of Methuen and Lawrence, where community ties are strong and support networks vital during hardship, this loss has fostered a collective sense of sorrow while honoring the enduring value of her work. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for awareness and resources in addressing familial and mental health challenges.