Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Child Abuse Trial Continues

Suspect Charged With Felony Child Abuse Resulting In Death

Day 2 of the child abuse trial continued this week in Kimball County District Court. Alexander Romero, 24, is charged with felony child abuse that was committed intentionally and resulted in death.

Romero’s 7-month-old daughter died in April 2019. She was in the care of Romero when she became unresponsive and was taken to Kimball Health Services.

The child was then transported to Children’s Hospital in Denver for treatment. The small child was placed on life support and died a few days later.

Romero appeared clean cut and attentive during the trial. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 20 years to life.

The Kimball County jury of three women, nine men and two alternates listened to testimony from local law enforcement who were initially called to the scene and conducted interviews, Nebraska State Patrol investigators, and local medical personnel who treated the small child.

The final witness on Tuesday afternoon was Dr. Steve Cina, forensic pathologist from the coroner’s office in Adams County, Colo. Cina performed the autopsy on the child’s body.

The prosecution was expected Wednesday to continue with its witnesses.

Attorneys Bill Tangerman and Doug Warner from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting the case, while Matthew McDonald and Sarah Newell from the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy are representing Romero.

The trial is expected to continue throughout the week.

Romero continues to be held in the Kimball County Jail.