Ex-boyfriend executes woman’s new partner after breaking into Nevada home

A Nevada man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder after shooting his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend in an execution-style attack.

Jonathan Romero, 35, admitted to killing 18-year-old David Manriquez in July 2008 after breaking into the Las Vegas home of his former partner months following their breakup. 

According to testimony, Romero found Manriquez hiding in a bedroom closet and shot him in the head.

Police described a chilling scene: Romero fired multiple times before fleeing the home, leaving a trail of blood stretching several blocks.

Romero evaded authorities for more than 15 years before being apprehended in Mexico in May 2025. Initially charged with murder, attempted murder, and burglary with a deadly weapon, Romero entered a plea deal last week, admitting guilt to first-degree murder.

“His father and sister expressed relief that Romero would finally face justice,” reported local CBS affiliate KLAS. Manriquez’s father said, “We just want him to pay for what he did to my son,” while his sister called Romero “a coward” and hoped the sentence would bring closure.

Romero is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26 and faces 20 to 50 years in prison, with credit for time served.