A man who murdered a popular Peterson Elementary School teacher will remain in state prison, following a community outrcry from voices that included Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria.
Gov. Gavin Newson has reversed a decision by the state parole board to recommend early release for Rodolfo Romero, according to a news release from Soria’s office.
Romero is serving 16-years-to-life in prison for fatally stabbing his wife Diane Lynn Reid Romero on Sept. 16, 2010 at the couple’s Tioga Court home in north Merced. He pleaded no contest to second degree murder.
Back in October, word that Romero’s early release had been granted by the state parole board sent shock waves through the community.
Members of the victim’s family – including her sons, who today are adults – joined with Silveira, Soria and members of Merced Police Department, sending a special plea to Newsom.
Soria thanked Newsom for the decision to keep Rodolfo Romero behind bars. “Our community is relieved, thankful, and has peace of mind knowing this monster will remain in prison,” Soria said in a news release.
“I’ve spoken to the victims of this tragedy, the Reid family. They can rest easy now, knowing their nightmare is no longer a reality. Governor Newsom has delivered justice for the Merced community, for our district and for the Reid family.”
Silveira also said she was glad about Newsom’s decision. “Our pursuit of justice does not end in the courtroom,” Silveira said in the release.
“We are grateful to the Governor’s office for reversing the decision of the parole board. We stand with Diane’s family as they continue to honor her and strive to ensure the defendant is held accountable.”