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

Man Gets 30-40 Years In Daughter Death Case

Romero Pleaded No Contest To 2 Child Abuse Charges

Alexander Romero appeared with his attorney Tuesday, July 7, in District Court for sentencing in a child abuse case in which his daughter died.

In March, Romero was tried on intentional child abuse charges and it resulted in a hung jury.

In May, Romero pleaded no contest to two counts of Child Abuse, Class IIA felonies.

On Tuesday, Judge Derek Weimer sentenced Romero to 15-20 years for count one and 15-20 years for count two, those being consecutive terms to be severed by Romero.

Romero’s family members looked on from the first row of the courtroom. Romero has been confined in the Kimball County Jail for a total of 463 days.

The pre-sentence investigation had been reviewed by the judge and he was ready to sentence Romero after the attorneys and Romero made their statements.

Special prosecuting attorney William Tangeman’s remarks focused on the two serious felony charges. He said that Romero had “caused massive injury to the head, brain and spine” of his daughter, Aaliyah. He also said that Romero made incomplete and inaccurate statements to the authorities because he was scared.

Romero’s attorney, Matthew McDonald, said Romero had “tripped on shoes” thus injuring the child. McDonald called for probation because, he said, Romero was at low risk for reoffending and that he didn’t intentionally hurt the child. If he received probation, Romero would moved back to Wyoming and live with his grandmother.

Judge Weimer asked Romero if there was any reason not to be sentenced. Romero answered, “No.”

Romero said, “I have to agree with the prosecution that I have brought sadness” to Jessica’s family and to his own. He apologized to his family and took full responsibility for the events.

Romero continued to say that he doesn’t go to sleep at night without thinking about his daughter and he sometime thinks it is all a dream until he awakes to see where he is at.

Judge Weimer proceeded to sentencing, he said that nothing will bring the child back, “there will be no baptism, no confirmation, no high school graduation, no wedding.” Weimar said that a parent has only one obligation and that is to protect the child.

 
 
Rendered 03/14/2024 08:47