A young couple was seen goofing around in a prom video just hours before the man allegedly killed the woman. Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the death of his 18-year-old partner.
Victim Identified as Recent Graduate
Ra'Mya Silvan, 18, died from multiple gunshot wounds in the 3800 block of Hollygrove Street at around 3:35 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials at Warren Easton Charter High School identified Silvan as a recent graduate and expressed deep sorrow over her loss.
"Ra'Mya was a bright, talented young woman with a promising future ahead of her, and her loss is deeply felt throughout our school community," read a statement from the school.
Suspect Arrested
Daniel Victor Romero, 20, of Slidell, was booked into jail on Monday afternoon, May 25, on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with Silvan's death, according to police.
A video that has since gone viral shows Romero and Silvan playfully interacting on prom night, shortly before the shooting occurred.
Tumultuous Relationship
Authorities stated that Romero and Silvan had recently ended a "tumultuous relationship," according to an affidavit supporting his arrest. The document indicates that Romero went to Silvan's house on Sunday afternoon to return her iPad. The two argued while Silvan was on a phone call with a friend.
"The witness heard the victim step outside of her house and begin arguing with a male voice that she recognized to be Romero," the affidavit states. "The witness then heard gunshots and the victim scream."
New Orleans police found Silvan unconscious in her driveway, where she died.
Investigation and Evidence
Police shut down several blocks in the Hollygrove area on Sunday as they investigated the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing between 10 and 20 loud pops, and 20 spent rifle casings were collected at the scene, according to the affidavit.
A neighbor identified a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee fleeing the scene as Romero's vehicle, and Real Time Crime Camera footage placed him near Silvan's house minutes before the shooting. Romero was taken into custody on Monday afternoon at the 7th District Station.
If found guilty of second-degree murder, Romero faces life in prison.
