Clovis, New Mexico – A high-speed police pursuit early on New Year’s Day has led to multiple felony charges against a 20-year-old man after a violent crash claimed the life of his brother, according to authorities.
Police say Julian Romo, 20, is facing serious charges including homicide by vehicle following a pursuit with Clovis Police Department that ended in a rollover crash on a rural roadway outside the city. The crash resulted in the death of his passenger, Jesus Romo, 27, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
High-Speed Chase Began in Clovis
According to investigators, the incident began at approximately 3 a.m. on January 1, when Clovis police officers attempted to stop a black 2021 Ford Mustang on Llano Estacado Boulevard near Main Street.
Police allege that the driver refused to stop and fled, accelerating to extreme speeds through city streets. During the pursuit, officers recorded the vehicle traveling at 96 mph on Main Street, increasing to 144 mph on Brady Avenue as it left the central part of the city.
Authorities said the Mustang continued east toward rural areas at dangerously high speeds.
Pursuit Terminated Before Crash
Officers eventually lost visual contact with the vehicle and terminated the pursuit near the intersection of Curry County Road G and Curry County Road 8, citing safety concerns.
Police stated they did not witness the crash, explaining that darkness and distance prevented officers from seeing what happened next.
Moments later, emergency responders were dispatched to a crash site near Curry County Road 7, where the Mustang had left the roadway.
Vehicle Rolled Multiple Times
Investigators allege that the Mustang was traveling at speeds of up to 149 mph when it crashed on Sugarbeet Road, rolling multiple times before coming to rest.
Julian Romo was found inside the vehicle, while his brother Jesus Romo had been ejected into a nearby field, unconscious at the scene.
Both men were transported to Plains Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Passenger Dies From Injuries
Hospital officials later confirmed that Jesus Romo, 27, died from his injuries despite medical efforts.
Police say the injuries were consistent with being ejected during a high-speed rollover crash, underscoring the violent nature of the incident.
Julian Romo survived the crash and was taken into custody following medical evaluation.
Evidence Found at Crash Scene
During the investigation, authorities reported finding several items near the wreckage, including:
- Beer cans and an empty alcohol container
- Marijuana
- A short-barreled rifle
Police also confirmed that Julian Romo was on probation at the time of the crash for prior offenses in Arizona, which further compounded the charges he now faces.
Charges and Custody Status
Julian Romo is currently being held at the Curry County Detention Center. Authorities have filed multiple felony charges, including:
- Homicide by vehicle
- Aggravated fleeing from law enforcement
- Probation violation
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues, officials said.
Ongoing Investigation
Police noted that speed, possible impairment, and reckless driving are all factors under review. The case details were first reported by Eastern New Mexico News, citing court documents and law enforcement statements.
Authorities emphasized that the pursuit was ended before the crash occurred and that officers followed department policies regarding public safety.
Conclusion
The New Year’s Day crash has left one man dead and another facing life-altering criminal charges. Investigators say the case highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving, high-speed pursuits, and impaired decision-making behind the wheel.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.
If you have information related to this incident or similar roadway safety concerns, share your experiences in the comments below.
