Police: Killer here illegally
Suspect at large; officials seek tips
By Michael Woyton • Poughkeepsie Journal • June 28, 2008

Read Comments(21)Recommend (1)
The man suspected in the June 20 homicide of a City of Poughkeepsie woman is in the United States illegally, police said Friday.


Oscar Romero, 25, a resident of Honduras, is being sought by City of Poughkeepsie police in connection with the stabbing and killing of Janice A. Williams, 48.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now involved, and the FBI has been contacted, Detective Sgt. Matthew Clark said.

Police have been investigating the case since the morning of June 20, when Williams was found dead near a trash bin at 691 Main St.

She was stabbed and thrown from a window of Romero's third-story apartment, police said. The cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The knife has been recovered.

Romero shared the apartment with four other people, all of whom were interviewed by police.

The suspect had left the scene by the time Williams' body was found.

An arrest warrant was issued Monday.

Romero was convicted in 2006 of third-degree assault and served nine months in the Dutchess County Jail, according to City of Poughkeepsie court records.

Clark said all law enforcement agencies have access to information about Romero.

"The warrant is in the police computer," he said. "Anybody that comes across him in the country will know we are looking for him."

Clark admitted it was a tough investigation.

"It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," he said.

Reach Michael Woyton at mwoyton@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-451-4518.




http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps ... /806280329