Ex-Boyfriend Confesses to Killing Former Lover's New Partner

Jonathan Romero pleads guilty to first-degree murder for 2008 shooting death of David Manriquez

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A Nevada man named Jonathan Romero has confessed to breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home in 2008, finding her new boyfriend David Manriquez hiding in the closet, and fatally shooting him. Romero evaded police for over 15 years before being captured in Mexico in 2025. He has now pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is facing 20 to 50 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the challenges law enforcement can face in tracking down suspects who flee the country. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to bring closure to victims' families after such a long delay.

The details

According to police testimony, Romero broke into his ex-girlfriend's Las Vegas home, found Manriquez hiding in the closet, and shot him multiple times in the back of the head. Romero then fled the scene, leaving a trail of blood that extended several blocks from the house. He managed to evade capture for over 15 years before being apprehended in Mexico in 2025.

  • In July 2008, Romero killed Manriquez in the ex-girlfriend's home.
  • In May 2025, Romero was captured in Mexico after over 15 years on the run.
  • In June 2026, Romero's ex-girlfriend testified before a grand jury about the incident.
  • In February 2026, Romero pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

The players

Jonathan Romero

A 35-year-old Nevada resident who confessed to breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home and fatally shooting her new boyfriend, David Manriquez, in 2008.

David Manriquez

An 18-year-old who was killed by Romero in 2008 while hiding in the closet of his ex-girlfriend's home.

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What they’re saying

“He looked into the room on the left before entering the master bedroom where David was hiding in the closet. [Manriquez] attempted to intervene, but [Romero] shot him in the back of his head.”

— Romero's ex-girlfriend (KLAS)

“We just want him to pay what he did to my son.”

— Jaime Manriquez, David Manriquez's father (KLAS)

“He's a coward. We kind of were not ever expecting him to get caught. It was a shock. We were expecting you know, God to handle it, but he'll get his justice here and hopefully it's enough.”

— Ruby Manriquez, David Manriquez's sister (KLAS)

What’s next

Romero is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2026. He is facing between 20 and 50 years in prison as part of his plea agreement.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the challenges law enforcement can face in apprehending suspects who evade justice for years. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of swift action and thorough investigations to bring closure to victims' families.