Judge OKs shooting reconstruction in 8-year-old boy’s case

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — A status hearing in the case of Christian Ryan Romero, the 8-year-old boy charged with killing his father Vincent Romero and his father’s friend Tim Romans in Saint Johns, was held at Apache County Superior Court Monday morning.

Romero was not present at the status hearing, but Judge Michael P. Roca granted the defense counsel’s request for $3,500 for investigative fees and appointed Lucien C. Haag to perform a shooting evaluation and reconstruction with an initial budget capped at $3,500.

According to a news release issued by the court, the defense has prepared and will provide the court and prosecutors with a proposed order permitting the juvenile to receive counseling service from their nominee. Juvenile detention center staff where he is staying will be consulted to ensure that the language in the order is acceptable, according to the court.

The defense also provided the court with its notice of intent to file motions to suppress due to 4th Amendment, Miranda and voluntariness issues. The defense asked for the juvenile to be present when the motions and other substantive issues are addressed by the court.

The defense further asked that the juvenile be allowed “personal items that are of significance to him.” Guardian ad litem Albert Lassen will contact the victim and work with the county attorney’s office in the collection of the items, according to the court.

Also on Monday, the counsel for the juvenile’s mother, Eryn Bloomfield, requested for her position to be heard on any matter that directly relates to her, including release of or furlough for her son. Bloomfield is being represented by Riggs & Ellsworth, P.C.

While special prosecutor Bradley Carlyon is willing to remain on the case, the county attorney-elect Michael Whiting will have to affirm Carlyon’s appointment after taking office in January.

Another status hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 6, according to the news release.