In the quiet community of El Prado, New Mexico, the life of 38-year-old Anastasia Stacey Romo was unexpectedly cut short on February 24, 2025. A resident of the area, she was found deceased alongside another woman, 34-year-old Ashley Casias, in what has been described as a double homicide. The tragic event has left her family and friends mourning the sudden loss of a cherished community member.
Further investigation into the deaths of the two women led authorities to a person of
interest. Law enforcement officials were able to track a suspect to Española, where he was found in possession of a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Cesar Garcia of Taos.
At the time of his apprehension in connection with the double homicide, Garcia was already a suspect in a separate fatal stabbing that had occurred earlier the same day at the Ohkay Owingeh Travel Center. Surveillance footage from that incident played a key role in his initial identification. Garcia was taken into custody and is facing charges related to the stabbing, while the investigation into his involvement in the deaths of Anastasia Romo and Ashley Casias continues. The Office of the Medical Investigator is working to determine the official causes of death for both women.
