Woman Killed In South Brunswick Had 3-Week-Old Baby, GoFundMe Launched

If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “BEGIN” to 88788

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Lauren Saldana, the woman who was killed in South Brunswick on Jan. 9, had given birth to a baby three weeks ago, according to a fundraiser.

Saldana was described as a loving mom of four children, who left “behind a family shattered by grief.”

On Jan. 9, around 3:15 p.m. police rushed to a home on Route 27 following the report of an unresponsive female.

On arrival, police found Saldana, 38, of Freehold, unconscious. She was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said children were present in the house at the time of Saldana’s death. Police said "the acts resulting in the victim’s death were committed in the presence of minors."

According to the GoFundMe, Saldana’s 5-year-old son was a witness to her death.

“He is now faced with trauma no child should ever have to endure. His sister is fighting to gain custody of him to ensure he has the stability, care, and love he needs to begin healing,” the GoFundMe said.

The fundraiser aims to raise money to ensure her children are supported and cared for. Her children are ages 19, 16, 5, and three weeks, the post said.

“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 was a person. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a grandchild, and a friend. She did not deserve for her life to be taken in such a heinous and disgusting way,” the GoFundMe said.

“We are asking for your support to honor her memory and help her children navigate the incredibly difficult road ahead.”

Finances raised through the fundraiser will go towards Saldana’s funeral and memorial expenses; immediate needs for her children, including housing, food, clothing, and emotional support; to help her daughter secure custody of her brother and any outstanding balance will be divided equally between the four children and placed into trusts for them to have as they age.

The goal is to raise $10,000 and as of Tuesday morning, $8,155 was raised.

The fundraiser also aims to shed light on domestic violence. Saldana’s family wants her story to be shared so women suffering from domestic violence find the courage to leave.

“Our family is heartbroken, but we are determined to honor Lauren’s legacy by ensuring her children have the future she would’ve wanted for them. Your generosity—whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser—will mean the world to us during this unimaginably difficult time,” the GoFundMe said.

“We know times are hard on everyone, so the fact that you’ve taken the time to read this is incredibly helpful. Please share to keep her story public. Share her name, share her story.”

Based on initial investigation, Roman Romanovskiy, 41, of South Brunswick was the “alleged perpetrator of the acts causing the death of Saldana,” police said.

Police said it was not a random act of violence since Saldana and Romanovskiy knew each other. Authorities did not elaborate on their relationship.

Romanovskiy was arrested without incident, and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Romanovskiy is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of his Pre-Trial detention hearing.

According to the National Institute of Health, homicide is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the United States. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of elevated risk for homicide among all females of reproductive age, the study found.

According to the National Partnership For Women and Families, each year 324,000 “pregnant people in the country are battered by their intimate partners.”

Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information and resources.

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