A New York man has been charged with murder after allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend to death in a motel room while their 2-year-old son was present, according to prosecutors.
Justin Bartley, 32, faces charges of second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of 32-year-old Roseberline Philippe, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Friday, Dec. 5.
Bartley, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of killing Philippe inside a room at the Days Inn in Elmsford. Her body was discovered there in early November, authorities said.
“My heart aches for Ms. Philippe’s family, who have lost the companionship of their beloved daughter, sister and friend,” Cacace said in a statement. “Ms. Philippe was also a new mother and had so much left of her life to share with her young son.”
At the time of the alleged killing, Bartley was on probation.
In 2022, he pleaded guilty in Rockland County to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon and driving while intoxicated in a separate case, for which he received a five-year probation sentence.
Meanwhile, Philippe’s loved ones are grieving and trying to honor her memory.
In a GoFundMe created to help cover funeral expenses and support her 2-year-old son, the organizer described her as “a devoted mother, a loving daughter, and an amazing friend. Her life was filled with kindness and strength. She touched every person who had the blessing of knowing her.”
The organizer added that her son “must now grow up without their mother’s love and guidance,” and pledged: “Rose’s light will never fade, and we will make sure her baby grows up knowing the love and strength she carried in her heart.”
Bartley is currently being held without bail at the Westchester County Jail. His next court date is set for March 6, 2026.
The judge has also issued temporary orders of protection for members of Philippe’s family.
It remains unclear whether Bartley has obtained an attorney to represent him.
