A mum has been killed in front of her children just weeks after giving birth to her fourth child.
Lauren Saldana allegedly died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Roman Romanovskiy.
The 38-year-old was found dead in his home by police, with the suspect present at the scene.
Lauren’s family revealed that she was three weeks postpartum and claims her five-year-old son witnessed the murder.
Authorities have arrested Romanovskiy, 41, in connection with the victim’s death.
Lauren was mum to two children aged 19 and 16, but also shared two children with Romanovskiy including her son, aged five, and her newborn baby.
Her daughter, Madison, told News12 that her mother and ex-partner’s relationship was ‘a rollercoaster’.
The authorities have not yet disclosed Lauren’s cause of death after her body was found at a home in South Brunswick, New Jersey, on 9 January.
Romanovskiy has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child endangerment, as reported by Need To Know.
It is not yet clear whether he has entered pleas.
Police are continuing to investigate with the suspect held at Middlesex County Jail without bail.
In the wake of her mother’s death, Madison is seeking custody of her younger siblings.
The family has also launched a fundraiser with any money donated to be used toward funeral and memorial expenses, to cover the immediate needs of Lauren’s children and custody costs.
Any outstanding balance will be divided between the four children equally and placed into trusts for them to have in the years to come.
An emotional message shared as part of the fundraiser reads: “Her [Lauren’s] murder has left a hole in all of our hearts.”
“She leaves behind four beautiful children who now face a future without their mother.
“As we navigate this painful time, we want to ensure her children are supported and cared for, just as she would have wanted.
“This tragedy is made even more painful and brutal by the fact that Lauren was three weeks postpartum and her five-year-old son witnessed her murder.
“He is now faced with trauma no child should ever have to endure.
“His sister is fighting to gain custody of him to ensure he has the stability, care, and love he needs to begin healing.
“Lauren was a person.
“She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a grandchild, and a friend.
“She did not deserve for her life to be taken in such a heinous and disgusting way.
“We are asking for your support to honour her memory and help her children navigate the incredibly difficult road ahead.”
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