A 32-year-old man has been indicted on murder charges in the killing of his ex-girlfriend at a Westchester County hotel in front of their young toddler, prosecutors announced.
Port Chester resident Justin Bartley, 32, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of 32-year-old Rose Berline Philippe, who was found dead on Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Elmsford, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Dec. 5.
According to charging documents and statements in court, Bartley is accused of killing Philippe in the presence of their two-year-old son.
Bartley was arraigned Friday morning, where Judge Maurice Dean Williams ordered him held at the Westchester County Jail and issued temporary orders of protection for Philippe's family. Bartley is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday, March 6.
Bartley has a prior conviction: In 2022, he pleaded guilty in Rockland County Court to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon and DWI, resulting in a sentence of five years' probation.
In a statement on Friday, DA Susan Cacace said Philippe was a "new mother and had so much left of her life to share with her young son."
In the days after Philippe's murder, a GoFundMe page organized to raise money for her funeral expenses and her child's future care collected over $17,000 out of a $20,000 goal.
"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," wrote organizer Angelina Coyt at the time.
Those interested in donating can click here to do so.
The case is now being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Brian Bendish and Marissa Morra-Wynn.
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