Port Chester Man Now Faces Murder Charge In Slaying Of Ex In Westchester Hotel Room

ELMSFORD, NY — A Westchester County man with a previous felony conviction, now stands accused of killing the mother of his child in an Elmsford hotel room.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that the Port Chester man has been charged with murder in connection with the killing of his ex-girlfriend, Rose Berline Philippe, at the Elmsford hotel in November.

Justin Bartley, 32, was arraigned Friday morning on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Bartley pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bartley's remand at the Westchester County Jail was continued pending further proceedings. The judge also issued temporary orders of protection on behalf of the victim's family.

"My heart aches for Ms. Philippe's family, who have lost the companionship of their beloved daughter, sister and friend," Cacace said, announcing the charges. "Ms. Philippe was also a new mother and had so much left of her life to share with her young son. I am committed to doing justice by Ms. Philippe and her family. My office will not spare any effort to hold the defendant fully accountable for his alleged conduct."

On Nov. 2, at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in Elmsford, Bartley is accused of killing Berline Philippe, his 32-year-old ex-girlfriend, in the presence of their two-year-old son, according to the DA.

In 2022, in a separate case, Bartley pleaded guilty to felony attempted criminal possession of a weapon, and driving while intoxicated in Rockland County. He was sentenced to five years' probation in that case.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, the Elmsford Police Department, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and Westchester County District Attorney's Office investigators.

Bartley is due back in court on March 6.