REAL CRIME NETWORK

Some details in this story may be disturbing to readers. Discretion is advised.

A domestic dispute in New Haven’s Hill neighborhood turned fatal early Tuesday morning when 42-year-old Kerwin Romero allegedly opened fire, critically injuring his girlfriend, killing her friend, and then taking his own life — all while two children, ages 10 and 13, were inside the home. Police Chief Karl Jacobson and Mayor Justin Elicker confirmed the shocking events during a press briefing Tuesday afternoon.

Timeline of the Shooting

• Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1:47 a.m. – New Haven Police receive 911 calls reporting gunshots on the 700 block of Congress Avenue.
• Arrival at Scene – Officers discover three victims with gunshot wounds:
  • Kerwin Romero, 42, deceased (apparent suicide).
  • Jennifer Adams, 34, deceased (homicide victim).
  • 38-year-old woman, critically injured and transported to the hospital.
• Aftermath – Police secure the scene, locate an unregistered firearm, and begin initial investigation.
• Context – The surviving woman is the mother of the two children present, whose father is reportedly in prison. Police confirm the children were unharmed.

Evidence and Investigation

Confirmed Facts:

• Police recovered an unregistered gun at the scene.
• Romero had a prior criminal history, including a 2012 first-degree assault and firearms conviction.
• He was arrested in July 2025 on domestic violence charges in West Haven and released on $75,000 bond.
• The surviving woman was critically injured and is receiving hospital care.
• The children were unharmed but received immediate support from the Yale Child Study Center and the police Special Victims Unit.

Allegations / Rumor to Note:

• No evidence suggests the incident involved anyone outside the home; speculation about other potential participants has not been confirmed.
• Social media rumors about additional threats or motives remain unverified.

Investigative Leads:

• Officers are examining the prior domestic violence record and restraining orders related to Romero.
• Police continue to interview witnesses and family members and urge the public to share any relevant information.
• The incident remains under active investigation to confirm the exact sequence of events leading to the homicide-suicide.

Human Impact

The tragedy leaves a family shattered. The 38-year-old survivor and two children face a life-altering trauma. Neighbors report a quiet neighborhood rocked by gunfire and grief, while city leaders stress the importance of seeking help in violent domestic situations.

Mayor Elicker and Chief Jacobson emphasized the role of community resources like The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services to prevent escalation and protect vulnerable individuals.

Fact vs. Speculation

• Fact: Two adults dead, one critically injured; shooting occurred at 1:47 a.m. on Congress Avenue.
• Fact: Romero had prior violent offenses and a domestic violence history.
• Fact: Children were present but unharmed.
• Speculation: Any additional suspects or motivations beyond Romero’s relationship with the surviving woman are unconfirmed.
• Fact: Unregistered firearm recovered at the scene.

What’s Next?

Police continue to investigate the details of the shooting, including the timeline, motives, and any possible preventive oversights. Residents are reminded that law enforcement encourages reporting suspicious behavior, especially in situations of domestic tension.

Share Your Thoughts

Do you think more could have been done to prevent this tragedy given Romero’s prior criminal and domestic violence history?
What steps should communities take to protect children and vulnerable adults in high-risk domestic situations?
Share your insights and theories in the comments — your observations could help shed light on overlooked angles.

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