Kristina Romandine, a 33-year-old woman from Bay Minette, Alabama, was found dead inside a West Loop apartment in Chicago on January 1, 2025. Officers responded to a call of service at a residence in the 1500 block of West Warren Boulevard just before 8 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Romandine unresponsive with trauma to her head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A subsequent autopsy confirmed that she had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and her death was officially ruled a homicide.
Authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Romandine’s death. On January 4, 2025, Chicago police arrested 42-year-old Johnnie Matthews in connection with the crime. Matthews was taken into custody in the 2400 block of West Belmont Avenue after being identified as the shooter. He was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a felon. Matthews was scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Saturday following his arrest.
The case remains under investigation by Area 3 detectives, and further details regarding the motive or additional suspects have not been disclosed. Romandine’s tragic death has raised concerns within the community, as authorities continue to gather evidence and seek justice for the victim.
