The mother of a California woman who was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend last week stated that she “sensed something was wrong” prior to discovering the body of her daughter.
On March 17, 36-year-old Aaron Romo was arrested for the murder of 24-year-old Mirelle Mateus.
Earlier that day, police were called to Romo’s home in Anaheim after the victim’s mother discovered his lifeless body inside, according to the victim’s mother. Romo, who was quickly identified as a suspect, was arrested in Riverside County hours later, according to a press release from the Anaheim Police Department.
Despite having “determined that Mateus was murdered,” homicide investigators have not yet released an official cause or manner of death in the alleged homicide. The autopsy results are awaited.
According to authorities, Mateus and Romo were previously in a romantic relationship. It is unclear when they ended their relationship.
The death of the La Palma woman has left Mateus’ family in shock.
Alice Mateus, the victim’s mother, told KABC-TV, “My Mirelle did not deserve the death that man gave her.” “She did not deserve it, so if there are any women who know this man, please speak up. Don’t be afraid.”
The investigation into Mateus’ death is active and ongoing. Now, law enforcement is investigating whether Romo has assaulted other victims in the past.
Last week, Mateus’ mother found her daughter’s body at her ex-apartment boyfriend’s after “sensing something was wrong” and going to check on her. Upon discovering that Romo’s door was unlocked, she entered.
“At that time, I discovered my daughter dead in the bathroom,” added Alice Mateus. “I was the one who discovered her body in the bathroom. It was not law enforcement. The system let me down.”
Since then, Mateus’s family has established an online fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. Her GoFundMe page described Mateus as a diligent student with a “special, caring, and generous heart.”
Alice continued, “She came to illuminate our lives.” Since her birth, that light in her eyes, the angel that God gave me in that moment, has forever altered our lives.
According to online jail records obtained by Oxygen.com, Romo is being held without bond at an Orange County detention facility. He was indicted on March 21. Thursday was the scheduled court date for Romo.
Unknown at the time was whether Romo had entered a plea or retained legal counsel to comment on his behalf. As of this week, according to the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, he had not been assigned one.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Mateus or Romo is urged to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714-321-3612 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 844-TIP-OCCS.
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