SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico man has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms after being convicted of the murders of his ex-girlfriend and her teenage son. The judge characterized the case as one of the most clear-cut examples of premeditated murder he had seen.
Jose Antonio “Adrian” Roman, 47, was sentenced by Judge Jason Lidyard of the 1st Judicial District Court after a jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree murder on April 22. The victims, Carmen Navarrete de Gonzales and her 15-year-old son, Axel Gonzales, were killed in November 2023. Roman was also convicted of aggravated burglary and firing a gun at an occupied building, which added an additional 10½ years to his sentence.
The court’s decision to impose consecutive life sentences means Roman will serve each term back-to-back, potentially delaying any possibility of parole for decades. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies emphasized that this is the maximum sentence permissible under state law. During sentencing, Judge Lidyard emphasized that the evidence indicated a significant level of planning on Roman’s part rather than an impulsive crime committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Roman’s defense team had argued that intoxication from alcohol and cocaine should be considered in sentencing, claiming it impaired his judgment the night of the shootings. However, Judge Lidyard dismissed this argument, citing Roman’s ability to plan the trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe while armed with a shotgun. The judge noted that the actions leading up to the murders illustrated an intention to commit violence against Navarrete de Gonzales, particularly given her previous reports of threats and violence against her.
Compounding the tragedy, Navarrete de Gonzales had sought a restraining order against Roman shortly before her death, stating her fear of him. A temporary protective order was issued days before the shooting, but a subsequent hearing to extend this order had not yet occurred. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Roman had sent over 100 text messages to Navarrete de Gonzales after their relationship ended, reflecting an escalation of his obsession and anger toward her.
On the night of the murders, witnesses reported that Roman fired into the home on Prince of Peace Street before entering the property. The attack resulted in the deaths of both victims, while other family members, including young children, were present and managed to escape harm.
Roman’s defense disputed aspects of the prosecution’s narrative, arguing that the state failed to conclusively demonstrate how events unfolded inside the home. Nevertheless, the jury found the evidence compelling enough to convict him. The prosecution connected pre-existing patterns of behavior, including Roman’s repeated attempts to contact Navarrete de Gonzales and obtain a gun, to establish his intent before the shootings.
The emotional impact of the case rippled through the community, particularly among classmates of Axel Gonzales. Friends at Capital High School held memorials, including a balloon release, to honor him, highlighting the lasting effects of the violence.
Before sentencing, family members of the victims addressed the court, with Navarrete de Gonzales’ mother, who traveled from Mexico, pleading for justice on behalf of her daughter and grandson. Her poignant words shifted the focus from legal arguments to the personal tragedy of their loss.
Following this sentencing, Roman will begin serving his sentence after nearly three years of legal battles, including a period when charges were dismissed and later reinstated. While he is now facing multiple life sentences, avenues for appeal remain available should his defense choose to pursue them.