Authorities say 55-year-old Massachusetts teacher murdered by her 26-year-old son

LAWRENCE, Mass. – In Lawrence District Court this morning, a Massachusetts man was arraigned for the murder of his mother, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announces.

In addition to the murder charge, Anthony Nunez-Romano, 26, of Methuen, was charged with possessing a firearm without a firearm identification card and defacing the serial number of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty to all charges before the Hon. Stephen B. Geary, who ordered Nunez-Romano held without bail.

The Methuen Police Department conducted a wellbeing check at a residence on Lyndale Avenue in Methuen at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Monday evening. There, they located 55-year-old Dominga Romano inside the residence and pronounced her deceased. In addition to Methuen Police, the response included the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Tucker’s office, which is leading the investigation, as well as the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

According to multiple reports, Nunez-Romano allegedly shot his mother multiple times, and she was found with signs of rigor mortis.

Assistant District Attorney Paige Timko represented the Commonwealth at today’s arraignment. Nunez-Romano was represented by attorney Joseph Perullo. The defendant is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on February 20, 2026.

Head of Lawrence Schools issued the following statement.

“It is with profound regret that I issue this statement. Yesterday, our school community received the distressing news that Dominga Romano, a distinguished educator, colleague and friend, passed away tragically. Dominga was an exceptional individual with a remarkable presence. Her dedication to students, colleagues and her profession was profoundly inspiring. Her energy, laughter and passion for the students of Lawrence were consistently evident in her actions and her unwavering commitment to excellence. I already miss her dearly. Many of us do. LHS will not be the same without her. Let her laughter, love, and care always be remembered.”

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.