ELMSFORD, N.Y. — The Westchester County community is mourning the tragic and horrifying death of Roseberline Philippe, a 29-year-old woman from White Plains, who was brutally beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, Justin Bartley, at a motel in Elmsford. The shocking crime has left family members, friends, and local residents heartbroken, and has reignited conversations about the devastating toll of domestic violence.
According to authorities, officers with the Greenburgh Police Department responded to a 911 call just after midnight on Sunday, following reports of a disturbance and possible assault at a local Elmsford motel. When they arrived, they discovered Philippe inside one of the rooms suffering from severe injuries consistent with a violent beating. Despite emergency medical efforts at the scene, she was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Westchester Medical Center.
Investigators quickly identified Justin Bartley, 31, as the primary suspect. He was located near the motel and taken into custody without incident. Police say preliminary evidence — including surveillance footage and witness statements — indicates that Bartley and Philippe had checked into the motel earlier that evening. At some point during the night, an argument reportedly escalated into a brutal assault that ended Philippe’s life.
“This was an act of unimaginable violence,” said Greenburgh Police Chief Chris McNerney. “No one deserves to die this way. Our hearts are with Roseberline’s family, her child, and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy.”
Court documents reveal that Philippe had previously sought help to escape the abusive relationship. Friends say she had been trying to rebuild her life and focus on raising her young child. “She wanted peace. She just wanted to move on and give her child a better life,” said a close friend. “She didn’t deserve this — no one does.”
Neighbors in White Plains described Philippe as a warm, compassionate woman who always put her family first. She was known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for her child. “Roseberline was a beautiful soul inside and out,” one neighbor said. “She had her whole life ahead of her, and it’s heartbreaking that it was taken from her in such a violent way.”
Authorities have charged Justin Bartley with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and criminal contempt, citing prior protection orders that had been issued against him. He is currently being held at the Westchester County Jail without bail. Prosecutors have indicated that they intend to pursue the maximum penalty allowed under New York law.
Westchester County officials and domestic violence advocates have called the case a devastating reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by victims of intimate partner abuse. “This tragedy underscores the importance of supporting survivors and ensuring they have the resources and protection they need,” said a spokesperson for Hope’s Door, a local domestic violence support organization. “We must continue to raise awareness and take every report of abuse seriously.”
A candlelight vigil is being planned in White Plains to honor Roseberline’s life and to bring the community together in solidarity against domestic violence. Friends and loved ones have also launched an online fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses and to provide for her child.
As the investigation continues, Philippe’s family is left to mourn the irreplaceable loss of a daughter, mother, and friend whose light was extinguished far too soon. “Roseberline was love — pure love,” said a cousin. “She gave so much to everyone around her. Now we have to make sure her story is never forgotten.”
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Elmsford and White Plains, but it has also sparked a renewed call for compassion, awareness, and justice — not just for Roseberline Philippe, but for all victims of domestic violence whose voices must never be silenced.
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