A Woman Was Found Dead in a Motel. Now Her Ex Is Charged with Killing Her — in Front of Their 2-Year-Old Son: DA By KC Baker

A New York man is charged with murder for allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend to death at a motel in front of their 2-year-old son, prosecutors said.

Justin Bartley, 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend Roseberline Philippe, also 32, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Friday, Dec. 5.

Bartley pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment on Friday. He is accused of murdering Philippe at the Days Inn in Elmsford, Cacace said in a statement. Her body was found in a room there in early November.

“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.”

Bartley was on probation when he allegedly killed Phillippe.

In 2022, he pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon and driving while intoxicated in Rockland County as part of a separate case and was sentenced to five years’ probation.

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As police continue to investigate, Phillippe’s family is mourning her loss.

In a GoFundMe set up to help defray funeral costs and help support her two-year-old son, the organizer wrote, “Rose was 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.”

Her son “must now grow up without their mother’s love and guidance,” the organizer wrote.

“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 being held without bail at the Westchester County Jail as he awaits his next court hearing, which is scheduled for March 6, 2026.

The judge also issued temporary orders of protection on behalf of the victim’s family.

It is unclear whether Bartley had retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.