Rosendo Anthony Romero, a 40-year-old man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragically lost his life on November 10, 2024, in Santa Fe. The incident occurred on the city's south side during what authorities believe was a gun deal gone wrong.
According to witness statements provided to the Santa Fe Police Department, Romero was shot and killed following an argument with Antonio Montejano, a 24-year-old Santa Fe resident.
The altercation allegedly stemmed from a firearm transaction in which Romero had taken money from Montejano for an 'AR rifle' but had no intention of delivering the weapon. Witnesses reported that Romero had planned to stage a theft of the gun to deceive Montejano.
The shooting took place at a mobile home on Calle Tierra, where the two men had been using drugs with others. When Romero informed Montejano about the supposed theft, Montejano became enraged, suspecting deceit. As Romero attempted to leave the scene, Montejano allegedly followed him outside and opened fire. Despite Romero's efforts to flee towards the mobile home park's entrance, he was struck by gunfire and collapsed.
Following the incident, Santa Fe Police launched a search for Antonio Montejano, who fled the scene with the firearm used in the shooting. On November 13, 2024, authorities successfully apprehended Montejano in Española. He now faces an open charge of first-degree murder for Romero's death.
The investigation revealed that Montejano had previously been under police scrutiny for suspected drug trafficking. His social media presence, under the alias 'Trigga Happi,' allegedly advertised the sale of various illegal substances, including cocaine and methamphetamines.
Rosendo Anthony Romero is survived by his grandmother, mother, four sons, two sisters, four nephews, and numerous other family members. He was known for his work as a Master Carpenter, his love for snowboarding and gambling, and his devotion to his family. Romero's untimely death marks another tragic instance of gun violence in Santa Fe, following a double homicide in October that was also linked to a gun deal.
