Jonathan Romero, a 35-year-old Nevada man, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2008 execution-style killing of 18-year-old David Manriquez, his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, whom he found hiding in her Las Vegas home closet.
Incident Details
On July 18, 2008, Romero forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s house near Lamb Boulevard and Washington Avenue months after their breakup. He rushed upstairs, discovered Manriquez hiding in the master bedroom closet during a confrontation, and shot him multiple times—including a fatal shot to the back of the head. A blood trail stretched from the house down several blocks as Romero fled the scene on foot.
Long Manhunt and Arrest
Romero evaded capture for over 15 years (some reports say nearly 18), fleeing to Mexico. Authorities issued a warrant in 2008, but he wasn’t apprehended until May 2025 by a U.S. Criminal Apprehension Team in Mexico and extradited to Nevada. Initially pleading not guilty to murder with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, and armed burglary, he accepted a plea deal last week; the lesser charges were dropped.
Family Reaction and Sentencing
Manriquez’s father, Jaime, said, “We just want him to pay what he did to my son.” His sister, Ruby, called Romero “a coward” and noted the family had given up hope, expecting divine justice instead. Romero faces 20-50 years in prison (with credit for time served) at his sentencing on March 26, 2026, in Clark County District Court.
