A New Jersey family is grieving the tragic loss of 38-year-old Lauren Saldana, who was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend just three weeks after giving birth to her fourth child.
Lauren was found dead on January 9 in a South Brunswick Township home, according to a statement from local police. Officers arrested 41-year-old Roman Romanovskiy at the scene. Romanovskiy, her ex-boyfriend and the father of two of her children, now faces charges of first-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
The family’s heartbreak is compounded by the trauma endured by Lauren’s 5-year-old son, who witnessed the tragic event. A GoFundMe campaign created to support the children describes the devastating toll: “He is now faced with trauma no child should ever have to endure.”
Lauren leaves behind four children, aged 19, 16, 5, and her newborn. According to her eldest daughter, Madison Saldana, the relationship between Lauren and Romanovskiy was tumultuous. “It was not a healthy relationship,” Madison told News 12. “It was a rollercoaster.
They broke up, they tried to stay away from each other, but in the end, she always wanted to be with her son.” The family is determined to raise awareness about domestic violence, which they believe played a significant role in Lauren’s death.
The GoFundMe appeal emphasizes the need for support and understanding, stating, “Lauren faced many challenges in her life, but one thing was clear: she loved her children in the best way she knew how and wanted them to have more out of life than she did.”
Lauren’s daughter Madison is now pursuing custody of her younger siblings to keep the family together. In their time of mourning, the family is also calling attention to the broader issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact.
Romanovskiy, who was at the scene when police arrived, faces additional charges of second and third-degree child endangerment. Authorities have not released a cause of death, and the Middlesex County medical examiner’s office was unavailable for comment. It is unclear whether Romanovskiy has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
“Lauren was a person,” the fundraiser poignantly reminds the community, as her loved ones seek justice and healing in the wake of this devastating loss.