In the cold of a December morning in Colorado Springs, the life of 32-year-old Nicholas G. Romero was tragically cut short. On December 8, 2018, Romero, a Hispanic male, was discovered deceased outside the Windmill Apartments on Lacy Lane, the victim of a fatal shotgun blast. The grim discovery launched an investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department that would soon unravel a story of a robbery gone tragically wrong.
Nicholas, known affectionately as 'Nic' and 'bear' for his warm hugs and compassionate nature, was a loving father to his daughter, Jessa. He was remembered by his family as an adventurous spirit with a great sense of humor and a talent for storytelling that brought laughter to those around him. His life was centered around his daughter, with whom he shared a love for movies, s'mores, and adventures. His death left a profound void in the lives of his parents, siblings, and grandmother.
The investigation into Nicholas's death led detectives to two individuals: Savino Anceno and Saphire Nicks. In early January 2019, both were arrested and faced charges of first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery. It was revealed in court that Nicks had allegedly asked Romero to deliver a stolen car, and prosecutors believe the fatal encounter was the result of a robbery that took a violent turn. The specifics of the moments leading to the shooting, however, remained shrouded in uncertainty as the two accused would not testify against each other.
Ultimately, Anceno and Nicks entered into plea agreements for lesser charges. Anceno pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter, while Nicks pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated robbery and aggravated motor vehicle theft. A year and a day after Nicholas's death, they were sentenced to prison. During the sentencing, Nicholas's mother expressed her profound grief and sense of injustice, stating that her son was 'lured to his death' and that he died 'cold and alone.' The judge acknowledged the gravity of the loss while noting that the full truth of what transpired that fateful day may never be fully known.
