A man who murdered a popular Peterson Elementary School teacher will remain in state prison, following a community outcry from voices that included Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria.

Gov. Gavin Newson has reversed a decision by the state parole board to recommend early release for Rodolfo Romero, according to a news release from Soria’s office.

Romero is serving 16 years to life for fatally stabbing his wife Diane Lynn Reid Romero on Sept. 16, 2010, at the couple’s Tioga Court home in north Merced. He pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

Word that the state parole board granted Romero’s early release sent shockwaves through the community last October.

Community Sends Plea to Newsom

Members of the victim’s family — including her sons, who today are adults — joined with Silveira, Soria, and members of the Merced Police Department, sending a special plea to Newsom.

Soria thanked Newsom for the decision to keep Rodolfo Romero behind bars.

“Our community is relieved, thankful, and has peace of mind knowing this monster will remain in prison,” Soria said. “I’ve spoken to the victims of this tragedy, the Reid family. They can rest easy now, knowing their nightmare is no longer a reality. Governor Newsom has delivered justice for the Merced community, for our district, and for the Reid family.”

Silveira also said she was glad about Newsom’s decision.

“Our pursuit of justice does not end in the courtroom,” Silveira said in the release.

“We are grateful to the governor’s office for reversing the decision of the parole board. We stand with Diane’s family as they continue to honor her and strive to ensure the defendant is held accountable.”

The Merced FOCUS is a Merced-based newsroom covering issues that matter to the San Joaquin Valley.