The following is a synopsis of the events leading up to the arrest of double murder suspect, Eloy Romero Jr. yesterday in the City of Reedley.
Early yesterday afternoon, Reedley PD received an anonymous tip regarding the whereabouts of Eloy Romero Jr. The caller advised Romero was currently staying at a residence near “E” & Ninth in the City of Reedley.
Reedley PD immediately contacted the US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force who in turn, contacted Sheriff’s homicide detectives.
Assisted by Reedley PD, the Task Force started a surveillance of the residence, began gathering information on the occupants, and authored a search warrant for the home. As a result, Task Force members were able to confirm Romero was in the home.
Once the warrant was signed, at about 4:30pm, Task Force members identified themselves and attempted to make contact with subjects in the house. Moments later, Romero exited the back door. He ran around the yard briefly and then back into the residence. A short time later, Romero came out the front door and was taken into custody without further incident.
Two females, one Romero’s girlfriend, and two children were also found in the residence.
There were no other arrests, and no one was injured during the incident.
Romero was turned over to Sheriff’s detectives and later booked into the Fresno County Jail on two counts of murder. His bail has been set at 2,000,000.00.
Romero had been wanted for the double murder of 38 year old Joseph Blunt of Santa Clara, and 40 year old George Duarte of Reedley. The two were found deceased in a vehicle near the intersection of Buttonwillow & Jefferson on May 12th of this year.
The case was initially handled by the California Highway Patrol as it was thought the two victims had died as a result of a traffic accident. At their autopsies, both were found to have injuries inconsistent with a traffic accident. The case was then turned over to Sheriff’s homicide detectives.