On January 3, 2023, 35-year-old Jessica Romano was fatally shot inside her residence at 1290 Woodhaven Drive in Foster Township, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m., when state police responded to reports of a female gunshot victim. Romano was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton, where she was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m.
Investigators identified Romano's boyfriend, 30-year-old Scott Andrew Oliver, as the primary suspect.
According to court records, after the shooting, Oliver went to a neighbor's house, expressing remorse and leading the neighbor back to the scene. The neighbor found Romano with gunshot wounds to her chest and attempted to intervene as Oliver showed signs of self-harm. Oliver then fled into a wooded area, eluding capture for nearly 16 hours. He was eventually apprehended in a nearby vacant house and charged with criminal homicide.
In April 2024, Oliver pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in Luzerne County Court. He was immediately sentenced to 17 and a half to 40 years in state prison. During the court proceedings, both the prosecution and defense noted that a Ring doorbell had recorded the argument and shooting, capturing an emotional Oliver. Oliver expressed remorse for his actions, and his defense attorney stated that Oliver had taken responsibility "from day one."
Jessica Romano was remembered by family and friends during a memorial service held at St. Paul's Church in Scranton. She had lived most of her life in Monroe County, graduated from Pocono Mountain High School in 2005, and attended Northampton Community College. Romano was known for her love of dance and cherished spending time with her friends.
