SANTA FE, N.M. — Today, a Santa Fe jury found Joseph Jones guilty of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence in connection with the July 30, 2018, shooting death of Robert Romero at his home in Santa Fe.

This verdict marks the second time a Santa Fe jury has returned a guilty verdict against Joseph Jones for the murder of Robert Romero. Jones was originally convicted on February 27, 2023, following a jury trial. The New Mexico Supreme Court overturned those convictions based on the definition of a “structure” under New Mexico’s burglary statute in July 2025. The Court found that Romero’s portal, which is a covered porch or patio open on two sides, did not qualify as an enclosed structure subject to the burglary law. The Supreme Court confirmed that double jeopardy protections did not bar retrial, and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office immediately committed to re-prosecuting the case in pursuit of justice for Robert Romero and his family.

Joseph Jones evaded identification for two years after the crime, but advances in DNA forensic technology provided investigators with the breakthrough they needed to identify Jones as a suspect and move the case forward.

A married father of two, Robert Romero, 52, was born and raised in Santa Fe and was a beloved member of the community. Romero was fatally shot on the evening of July 30, 2018, after discovering Jones on his property. Jones had entered the Romero family’s backyard armed with a handgun and with the intent to commit theft.

The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office recognizes that no verdict can undo the tragedy the Romero family has endured but hopes that today’s outcome reaffirms that those who commit violent crimes in our community will be held accountable.

“This case required extraordinary perseverance,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias. “The Supreme Court’s ruling sent us back to trial, but it never shook our resolve. We are grateful that justice has been delivered once again for Robert Romero and his family.”

The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office thanks the Romero family and friends for their continued support throughout this long process, and the members of the jury for their service. The FJDA would also like to thank the FJDA team, especially Janet Trujillo, Janet Gomez, Brian Roybal, Paul Prentice, and Victim Advocates Christine Fitzsimmons and Jordan De Graff. FJDA appreciates the dedicated service of SFPD retired case agent Bryan Martinez, and the law enforcement partners and expert witnesses who helped achieve this outcome.

Jones now faces a sentence of life in prison, plus additional time for the remaining charges. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.