Manassas Caretakers Charged with Murder of 4-Year-Old via Child Abuse, Neglect

Had child bound in plastic

Posted

Murder Investigation – Jan. 19 at 7:36 p.m., officers responded to The Regency Apartments located in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop in Manassas to investigate an unconscious child. The investigation revealed emergency services were contacted after the victim, identified as a 4-year-old boy, was located unconscious.

Fire & Rescue initiated CPR and transported the victim to an area hospital where he later died. Over the course of the investigation, detectives learned the victim and his 5-year-old sister were subject to long-term abuse and neglect by three family members who were determined to be the primary caretakers of the children.

The deceased was routinely bound in plastic wrap and packing tape and was found to be severely malnourished and dehydrated during the subsequent autopsy. Both children were also found to have been regularly deprived of food and water.

Jan. 29, following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants against all three family members identified below. All three accused have since been arrested.

The five-year-old sibling, in addition to two older children aged 12 and 14 who resided at the apartment, were released into the custody of Child Protective Services. Due to the age of the deceased, their identity will not be disclosed by law enforcement.

Arrested on January 29:

Rebecca Ann ROMERO, 53 of the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop in Manassas was charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse & neglect Arrested on January 29: 

Shanyah Elizabeth DILDA, 22, of the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Lp in Manassas Charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse & neglect

Kemmilyn Anita WADE, 18, of the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Lp in Manassas Charged with felony murder and felony child abuse & neglect

Court Date: Pending | Bond: All Held WITHOUT Bond Identified: The deceased was identified as a four-year-old boy of Manassas.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.

police, murder, child abuse, 4-year-old, child neglect, arrest, Manassas, Rebecca Ann Romero, Shanyah Elizabeth, Dilda, Kemmilyn Anita Wade, Shallow Creek Loop, felony, aggravated murder