Joseph Romero was barely a teenager when his mother Diane Lynn Reid Romero was murdered on Sept. 16, 2010.

Victor A. Patton

The Merced FOCUS

A beloved teacher at Peterson Elementary School, Diane was stabbed to death by her husband Rodolfo Romero at the family’s Tioga Court home in north Merced.

Rodolfo Romero was eventually sentenced to 16 years to life in prison, pleading no contest to second degree murder.

Joseph Romero, who today is 28 years old, says the 14th anniversary of his mother’s death last month came with a shock: he received news that his father Rodolfo Romero was granted parole.

“It was not just my family who was affected by my father’s actions, but the city of Merced as a whole,” Joseph Romero said. “As a teacher and a friend to many, my mother’s murder has left a scar on the city that will be felt throughout my lifetime.”

But Joseph Romero, his family, and local leaders are hoping there still may be a way to keep his father from being released from state prison.

He and his family joined with Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, Merced Police Capt. Joseph Perez and others Tuesday to make a plea to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Their message is clear: They want the governor to overrule the state parole board’s decision, and keep Rodolfo Romero behind bars.

Silveira called the recent decision by the parole board “justice cut short,” saying Diane was strangled and stabbed multiple times until her near lifeless body was thrown into the backyard swimming pool. Her body was found by one of her sons.

She said there was also a history of domestic violence by Rodolfo Romero against Diane before she was ultimatley murdered.

The District Attorney’s Office has argued against Rodolfo Romero’s release at both of his parole hearings.

“It is our opinion he has not expressed the appropriate amount of remorse for his crimes. He has not achieved the appropriate amount of rehabilitation,” Silveira said during a Tuesday news conference.

“We are appealing to the governor’s sense of respect for victims, for his sense of safety for the public. We are appealing to the governor to do the right thing.”

Soria, D-Merced, said Diane’s killer denied her the pleasure of being a mother and watching her sons grow up. “Diane cannot visit the garden that the students and staff at Peterson Elementary School built for her, honoring her memory,” Soria said.

Soria pointed out the parole board had denied Rodolfo Romero’s parole just 18 months ago. “However, this same parole board made the recommendation to parole him as of last month,” she said.

“I am asking myself, as I am sure the family and the community is too, ‘what has changed in the last 18 months? What warrants a reversal of the parole board’s previous decision and opens the door to an early release for this violent, convicted murderer? How does this guarantee the safety of (Diane’s) family, her sons and the community?’ It does not.”

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Killer Expressed No Remorse

Diane’s family said the parole board’s decision is particularly troubling, given that Rodolfo Romero has expressed no remorse.

“We will never get over it. It was too horrific. And he was very proud of himself,” said Diane’s mother, Lutie Harris.

Harris said Rodolfo Romero deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars. “The thing that bothered me so much was he told (investigators) that she was fearful. And of course she was.”

Sharon Reid, Diane’s older sister, said no child should ever have to grow up without a mother. “No boys should have to endure what my nephews have endured. And the punishment has not fit the crime. The crime was horrendous,” she said.

“We are looking forward to meeting with Governor Newsom to discuss next steps.”

Silveira said if the parole board’s decision is allowed to stand, there is a chance that Rodolfo Romero could return to Merced County. She said he has also stated a desire to possibly move to Sacramento County.

Newsom’s staff is looking at the case and has extended an inviation to meet with Diane’s family, Silveira said.

About the Author

Victor Patton is editor-in-chief of The Merced FOCUS.