Yanko Romero, already accused of killing a man at a Fort Myers boat ramp, is now facing allegations of attempting to kill an inmate while in jail, with the attack reportedly happening Tuesday.
Romero is accused of shooting Alex Johnson, 25, at a boat ramp near the Harbor Grand Apartment tower off Palm Beach Boulevard. This incident is part of a series of allegations against Romero, who is also allegedly connected to a 2023 deadly stabbing in Michigan.
On Wednesday, the lead Fort Myers police detective in the case, Maalisa Langton, took the stand and revealed that Romero had severely assaulted and almost killed another inmate on Tuesday. Police stated that Romero had to be tased by an officer to stop the attack.
He is accused of
shooting and killing Johnson
, a man he reportedly did not know, near the Harbor Grand Apartments on Sunday.
Johnson was tying up a boat when Fort Myers police say Romero shot him in the neck and head. Johnson's girlfriend was caught on camera trying to save his life. Johnson's family described him as someone who "lit up every room he walked into."
Romero was apprehended after being seen throwing a gun into Billy Creek, where police later recovered the firearm. Langton said she was called to respond to an active shooter investigation after shots were fired into residents' condos.
Romero's wife said he suffers from mental illness and has received treatment, though he continues to express paranoid beliefs, according to the police.
Romero may also be connected to a murder in Inkster, Michigan. Police there are working closely with Fort Myers detectives to determine if he is tied to the 2023 stabbing death of his roommate.
Langton stated that a friend or partner Romero was working with on a home in Inkster was murdered after being stabbed multiple times. A warrant has been issued in that case in Michigan.
Police collected DNA samples from Romero today for search warrants related to both the Fort Myers and Michigan cases. The judge found probable cause for Romero's new charges, and the case will continue in court on Thursday.
Romero is currently facing charges of weapon offenses, aggravated assault, homicide, obstruction of justice and resisting an officer, plus new charges related to the attack in jail.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.