Batavia Woman Accused of Battery Was Defending Herself, Sister Says

The sister of a Batavia woman facing aggravated domestic battery charges claims her sibling was in harm's way and defending herself during Sunday's incident.

Annette Romano said details initially released by police about a Nov. 4 disturbance at sister Diane Romano's house do not tell the whole story. According to Annette Romano, her sister's boyfriend was hitting her and would not stop.

Annette Romano said her nephew tried to intervene in the situation between his mother and her boyfriend.

"The son got into the middle of the fight, and that’s how he got hit," Annette Romano said.

Police would not confirm the details Annette Romano gave of the incident, citing an open investigation.

"I won’t get into what statements were made," Detective Kevin Bretz said. "… I won’t comment on that."

He said the investigation is ongoing and police will continue to follow up on it.

As of Monday evening, no one else had been charged in connection with Sunday's incident, which occurred at 2:34 a.m. on the first block of North Van Nortwick Avenue. Batavia police found two men—which Annette Romano said were the boyfriend and son—with multiple non-life-threatening stab wounds. Annette Romano said both men are receiving treatment at a local hospital. 

Diane Romano, 38, faces various domestic battery charges in connection with the Sunday incident, as well as a misdemeanor charge of possessing a knife with intent to use, according to police. She remains in Kane County Jail on $50,000 bail, according to jail records. Ten percent of that amount, or $5,000, must be posted in order for her to be released.

Bretz said charges filed against Diane Romano were based on information collected by investigators and the case must proceed through formal court proceedings.

"It’s a family situation," Bretz said. "Everyone has their own opinion. There's going to be a lot of things being said and assumptions being made, that’s just part of the process."

Annette Romano is concerned this one incident will cause her sister to lose everything, even though she does not have a serious criminal record. Police and court records confirm that Diane Romano has been to court for various traffic offenses, but no other significant incidents.

Diane Romano's case is up for a status hearing Wednesday, according to court records. Annette Romano hopes her family can get her sister out on bond soon.

"This is going to mess up her whole life," she said.

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