Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the death of Lilia Roman, a four-week-old baby girl.
Emergency medical workers responded to a call of a non-responsive baby girl at the Belleville home of the parents on Nov, 15. The baby was transported to Clara Maass Medical Center and later moved to Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Hospital officials alerted police when it was discovered the baby had injuries, including a broken arm and retinal hemorrhaging, and was considered brain dead.
On Nov. 16, the father, James Roman, Jr., 29 and the mother, Vanessa T. Roman, 27, were both charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Today, the baby was removed from life support. She was pronounced dead at 1:19 pm.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly for the Homicide Unit said the cause of death is pending an autopsy. The investigation is active and ongoing. No other charges have been filed at this time.
Additional information will be released when it becomes available.
