Mother Of California Woman Allegedly Murdered By Ex Said She 'Sensed Something Was Wrong'

The mom of a slain California woman who was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend last week, said she “sensed something was wrong” prior to discovering her daughter's body.

Aaron Romo, 36, was arrested for the murder of 24-year-old Mirelle Mateus on March 17.

Earlier that day, police were dispatched to Romo's home in Anaheim, after the victim's mother found the 24-year-old’s lifeless body inside, the mom stated. Romo, who was quickly identified as a suspect, was arrested hours later in Riverside County, according to an Anaheim Police Department press release.

Homicide investigators, who "determined that Mateus was murdered," haven’t yet released an official cause or manner of death in the suspected slaying. Autopsy results are pending. 

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Authorities, however, said Mateus and Romo were previously involved in a romantic relationship. It’s unclear when they broke up. 

Mateus’ family is now reeling from the La Palma woman’s sudden death. 

"My Mirelle didn't deserve that death that man gave her," the victim's mother, Alice Mateus, told KABC-TV.  "She didn't deserve it, and if there's women that know this man, please say something. Don't be afraid."

Aaron Romo and Mirelle Mateus Photo: Anaheim Police Department

The investigation into Mateus’ death is active and ongoing. Law enforcement is now probing the possibility that Romo had assaulted other victims in the past. 

Mateus’ mother initially discovered her daughter’s body at her ex-boyfriend's apartment last week after she’d "sensed something was wrong" and went to check on her. Finding Romo's door unlocked, she went inside.

"That is when I found my daughter dead in the bathroom," Alice Mateus added. "It was I who found her dead in the bathroom. It was not the police. The system failed me."

Mateus’ family has since launched an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses. Her GoFundMe page described Mateus as a hard-working student and a “special, caring, generous person” who had a “heart so pure and full of love." 

"She came to illuminate our lives," Alice added. "Ever since she was born, that light in her eyes, the angel that God gifted to me in that moment, changed our lives forever."

Romo is being held without bond at an Orange County detention center, according to online jail records obtained by Oxygen.com. He was arraigned March 21. Romo had a scheduled court appearance for Thursday.

It was immediately unknown if Romo had entered a plea or secured legal counsel to comment on his behalf. According to the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, he hadn’t yet been assigned one as of this week.

Anyone with additional information in relation to Mateus’ murder or Romo is asked to call the Anaheim Police Department at 714-321-3669 or the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.