Trial Begins for Albuquerque Man Charged in Santa Fe Double Murder

Jose Antonio 'Adrian' Roman faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and her teenage son.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:37pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent shotgun shell casing reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually illustrating the violence of the alleged crimes.The brutal double murder has sparked renewed calls for action on domestic violence and gun control in New Mexico.Albuquerque Today

The double-murder trial for 47-year-old Jose Antonio 'Adrian' Roman of Albuquerque has begun in Santa Fe's First Judicial District Court. Roman is charged with the premeditated first-degree murders of his ex-girlfriend Carmen Navarrette and her 15-year-old son Axel Gonzales in November 2023. Prosecutors allege Roman stole a shotgun and ammunition, drove from Albuquerque to Navarrette's Santa Fe home, and opened fire on the house before entering and killing her son.

Why it matters

This high-profile case in New Mexico's capital city has drawn significant attention, raising concerns about domestic violence, gun crime, and the safety of families in their own homes. The outcome could set a precedent for how the justice system handles similar cases of alleged premeditated murder.

The details

According to prosecutors, Roman stole a pump-action shotgun and ammunition from his son's house before driving from Albuquerque to Navarrette's home in Santa Fe. He then allegedly waited until Navarrette and her family were inside before opening fire on the house and then entering to kill her 15-year-old son Axel Gonzales. Roman's attorney claims he shot blindly through the windows and there is no evidence he was inside the family's home.

  • The murders occurred in November 2023.
  • The trial began on April 10, 2026.

The players

Jose Antonio 'Adrian' Roman

A 47-year-old man from Albuquerque who is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and her teenage son.

Carmen Navarrette

The 47-year-old ex-girlfriend of Jose Antonio 'Adrian' Roman who was killed in the November 2023 shooting.

Axel Gonzales

The 15-year-old son of Carmen Navarrette who was also killed in the November 2023 shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Roman shot blindly through the windows and there is no evidence he was inside the family's house.”

— Roman's attorney

What’s next

The trial is ongoing, and the judge will make a ruling on the case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims and their families. The outcome of the trial could set an important precedent for how the justice system handles similar cases of alleged premeditated murder.