Chambersburg, Pennsylvania – A 42-year-old man is facing a criminal homicide charge after police say he brutally beat a woman to death inside a Chambersburg apartment and later texted a friend asking for a place to stay.
Woman Found Unresponsive in Chambersburg Apartment
According to the Chambersburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home on West Washington Street at approximately 2:20 a.m. Saturday after a request was made to check on the welfare of a female resident.
The first officer on scene was approached by an individual who knew Andre Romulus and possibly the victim. Police say the concern was raised after disturbing messages were sent hours earlier.
Disturbing Text Messages Before Police Arrival
Court documents and an affidavit obtained by PennLive indicate that Romulus had been messaging a friend between 9:30 p.m. Friday and shortly before police arrived at the apartment.
At around 1:37 a.m., Romulus allegedly texted that the friend would “never see him again” and urged him to send someone to check on the woman inside the residence. Investigators say Romulus also claimed the victim was leaving him and had “left him alone with their child,” while asking if he could stay at the friend’s home for the night.
Victim Discovered With Severe Facial Injuries
When officers entered the apartment, they found the woman unconscious and unresponsive, lying in a pool of blood next to a bed. Authorities said she had sustained severe trauma to the front of her face and required immediate medical assistance.
Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not confirmed whether a child was present in the residence at the time of the incident.
Cause of Death and Search for Suspect
A preliminary investigation determined the woman died from blunt force trauma. Romulus was quickly identified as the primary suspect, but police learned he had fled the area shortly after the incident.
With his whereabouts unknown, authorities requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to locate and apprehend him.
Arrest Made in Harrisburg
On Monday, law enforcement located Romulus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, roughly 55 miles northeast of Chambersburg, and took him into custody without incident.
During the execution of a search warrant at his apartment, investigators reportedly recovered multiple messages allegedly written by Romulus. According to court filings, some of those messages described the victim as “evil” and accused her of “embarrassing him.” Authorities also say he referenced assaulting her on a prior occasion, raising additional concerns about a history of violence.
Charges and Upcoming Court Hearing
Romulus has been formally charged with criminal homicide and remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear in Franklin County Court for a preliminary hearing on December 30, where prosecutors are expected to outline the evidence against him.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the events leading up to the fatal assault and whether any additional charges may be filed. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name, pending family notification.
Conclusion
The case has shaken the Chambersburg community and highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence. Investigators say the evidence gathered so far points to a deliberate and violent act, followed by an attempted escape.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, local and national resources are available to provide help and support. Share your thoughts or reactions to this case in the comments below.
