Kevin Roman, a 39-year-old football coach at Clear Lake Christian School in Houston, was tragically murdered on September 4, 2016. His body was discovered by Houston police during a welfare check at his residence at 3426 Sparrow Street after friends grew concerned about his sudden disappearance. Roman had been shot multiple times with a .45 caliber weapon, and evidence at the scene suggested that he knew his attacker since there were no signs of forced entry, and nothing valuable seemed to be
stolen from his home except his phone and his gray Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was also missing.
The case took three years to solve, but eventually, advanced digital forensic analysis led investigators to Laquinta Renee Johnson. Johnson had been dating Roman, and her connection to the crime became apparent after a review of Roman’s phone records and a missing vehicle linked her to the crime scene. The police also found a crucial link when Johnson's brother, Richard Gaines, was arrested with a .45 caliber weapon shortly after the murder. This evidence ultimately prompted Johnson to confess to the murder of Kevin Roman in September 2019. She had a previous criminal history, which included charges such as theft and assault, and after her confession, she was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Johnson is currently serving her sentence at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and is eligible for parole in November 2024.
The loss of Kevin Roman, who was described as a beloved coach and a caring individual who was dedicated to helping others, left a deep impact on the community, especially among his students and fellow staff at the school. Roman’s dedication to his students and his tragic passing has been a somber reminder of the violence that sometimes touches the lives of those who dedicate themselves to helping others. His friends and family remember him as a supportive and inspiring figure whose life was taken far too soon. The arrest and conviction of Laquinta Johnson have provided some measure of justice, though the loss continues to be felt by many in the community.
