SALEM — A Salem woman found dead in her 12 Pope St. residence yesterday morning is apparently the victim of a romantic relationship turned violent, police indicated.
Police responding to a 911 call to the address discovered Yuliya Galperina dead upon their arrival, along with her unborn child. Salem police Capt. Paul Tucker said the woman was nine months pregnant.
Tucker would not divulge the exact cause of death yesterday, because the investigation is ongoing.
A warrant was issued yesterday for the arrest of Peter Ronchi, 45, on a murder charge in connection with the incident. Tucker also said police believe the victim and suspect were romantically involved, though there was no previous history of domestic violence calls from the victim's address.
Tucker said Ronchi "encountered" police officers in Norwalk, Conn., shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday and, based on information he provided, Salem police were notified Ronchi was placed in custody.
A press release yesterday indicated Ronchi turned himself in to police, but when questioned during a press conference yesterday afternoon, Tucker would not elaborate on the circumstances of the arrest, or why Ronchi had gone to Connecticut after the incident.
"What he told them led them to call us," Tucker said.
Ronchi is expected to be arraigned today in superior court in Stamford, Conn., on a charge of being a fugitive from justice, then returned to Salem to face the murder charge. His last known address was 10 Taft St. in Marblehead.
Although both the mother and baby died, the warrant is for just one count of murder. Tucker, however, said Salem police will consult with the district attorney's office to see if other charges should be filed.
Galperina had two other children, ages 8 and 3. Tucker would not say whether they witnessed the attack, but did say they were "in the area" at the time. Tucker said no further information about the children will be divulged. They were placed in state custody yesterday.
State police officers assigned to the district attorney's office are assisting Salem police with the investigation.
