Joseph Jones Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole Plus Three Years for Murder of Robert Romero
SANTA FE, N.M. — A District Court Judge sentenced Joseph M. Jones to life in prison without parole, plus an additional three years for tampering with evidence, in connection with the July 30, 2018, shooting death of Robert Romero.
A Santa Fe County jury convicted Jones on May 29, 2026, of first-degree murder, attempted aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence. Jones was previously convicted of the murder in 2023, but the New Mexico Supreme Court overturned that conviction, requiring the case to be retried. A second jury again found Jones guilty.
During sentencing, Judge Ellington emphasized the broader impact of the case and the importance of protecting the privacy and security of members of the community.
“This is a message to the community about the result of this behavior and to deter people from doing this. This is about Robert Romero and the members of the Santa Fe community who made the decision that invading a family’s home in the middle of the night is not okay. Mr. Romero was an upstanding citizen, pride and joy with friends and family.”
The State argued that, regardless of ongoing questions about the legal definition of a dwelling, the evidence demonstrated that Jones’s conduct was not a one-time mistake. Jones had a history of burglary, had previously been released on probation, and was armed when he entered the Romero family’s property.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias argued that Jones repeatedly chose to take what did not belong to him, possessed and stole firearms, armed himself, and acted as though the rules did not apply to him.
Recognition and Appreciation
The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office commends District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias for their work prosecuting this case through both jury trials.
The office also expresses its appreciation to the family and friends of Robert Romero, who endured this arduous process with strength and resilience.
Jones will serve his life sentence in the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections.