On February 17, 2018, Felix A. Martinez, a 47-year-old resident of Las Vegas, New Mexico, was fatally shot at the home and business of Michael Romero on South Commerce Street in Las Vegas. Romero, who was 48 at the time, was accused of shooting Martinez, who was a friend of Romero's son. Romero claimed that he acted to protect his son, alleging that Martinez intended to harm him while he was sleeping.
Following the incident, Romero fled the scene and was considered armed and dangerous. Authorities issued a warrant for his arrest, charging him with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The Las Vegas Police Department sought public assistance in locating Romero, who was believed to be driving a blue, late 1980s model Toyota 4Runner with a Chihuahua, Mexico license plate. A $500 reward was offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to his arrest.
Martinez was born on October 1, 1970, in Springer, New Mexico, to Edwin Maestas and Mary Margaret Martinez. He was a self-employed auto mechanic for 30 years and was known as a hardworking man dedicated to his family's well-being. He is survived by his three sons, Jeremiah, Jerome, and Jericho Martinez, and their mother, Roberta Armijo, as well as a granddaughter, Ayvah Martinez. Funeral services were held at Santa Clara Church in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, with interment at Santa Clara Cemetery.
As of the latest available information, there have been no public reports confirming the arrest of Michael Romero in connection with Martinez's death. The case remains unresolved, and authorities continue to seek information regarding Romero's whereabouts. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
