10th Circuit affirms conviction for murder of Arapaho man

Friday, April 18, 2014  

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction for the April 2009 murder of Naayaitch Friday, who was a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

Carl Ernesto Romero of Ohkay Owingeh was found guilty of second-degree murder and other charges for the shooting death of Friday, whose body was dumped at San Ildefonso Pueblo. Romero challenged a search of his home and vehicle, which had been used to transport Friday's body.

The 10th Circuit rejected both arguments. The court said FBI agents had probable cause to search the home because consent was given by Romero's father and the vehicle because Friday had been seen in it before his death.

Romero is serving a 41-year prison term for the crime.

10th Circuit Decision:
US v. Romero (April 15, 2014)