Warrenton Man Charged in Death of Girlfriend

A Warrenton man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated following the Friday evening death of 21-year-old Amanda DiGirolamo, also of Warrenton.

Warrenton Police Chief Greg Houdyshell called it a “domestic that went very bad.”

Matthew Charles Menke, 21, is being held in the Warren County Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond in the case. Police allege that Menke ran over DiGirolamo with a vehicle during an argument.

Houdyshell said the couple argued as she drove down Highway 47. According to police reports, she stopped at a traffic signal at Highway 47 and Warrior Avenue. Menke then took the keys from the ignition, left the vehicle and ran east on Warrior Avenue.

After DiGirolamo and two other passengers got out of the vehicle, Menke circled back and entered the car and began driving as DiGirolamo jumped on the hood of the car.

According to the probable cause statement, Menke accelerated, then abruptly applied the brakes, causing DiGirolamo to fall off of the hood. Menke then ran over her, stopped the vehicle, got out and looked at her body before leaving the scene.

Menke then attempted suicide by cutting his wrists, prior to Warren County deputies arriving at the home of his parents to arrest him, said Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison. Menke was taken to an area hospital for treatment before being released to city authorities.

Police said ambulance personnel attempted to revive DiGirolamo but she was pronounced dead later at an area hospital.

Houdyshell said there were numerous witnesses, and their stories were consistent. Menke, who was unemployed, has numerous traffic violations and has a pending charge for driving while revoked.

According to police reports, Menke admitted to drinking a pint of whiskey prior to the incident, in addition to taking prescriptions Valium and Ativan.

Visitation for DiGirolamo will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. There will be no funeral services.

A routine autopsy was ordered by Warren County Coroner Roger Mauzy. Results are not expected for six weeks.