At approximately, 7:44 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, Holbrook Police responded to a reported missing person at 201 East Iowa Space No. 2 in Holbrook. Upon arrival, police found evidence of forced entry into the trailer. The occupant identified as Christi Lynn Romero, 54, of Holbrook was not located inside. Christi’s vehicle was also missing from the residence. Police then began searching for her estranged boyfriend, Richard Paul Rodriguez, 34, of Holbrook.
According to HPD, the week before on Tuesday, Nov. 2, Rodriguez had been served an order of protection and was removed from the residence he shared with Romero. Rodriguez went to stay at the Bread of Life Mission. Personnel at the mission told police on Monday that Rodriguez hadn’t been there in several days.
A nationwide attempt to locate (ATL) was entered for Romero, Rodriguez, and Romero’s vehicle. Phone location data received indicated the vehicle was traveling towards California on Interstate 10. The ATL was updated with special attention to California, including a residence in Huntington Beach. California Law Enforcement was contacted and briefed on the situation including the phone location data received.
Rodriguez eventually showed up at his parents’ residence in Huntington Beach, where police were called. The investigation led to the discovery of the body of a deceased female in the trunk. The body was confirmed to be that of Romero on Tuesday, Nov. 7, by the Orange County Coroner’s Office. Rodriguez is currently in custody in California on charges related to this incident. HPD would like to inform the public this case is still an active investigation. They are working with the Huntington Beach California Police Department and have contacted the FBI. The Holbrook Police Department sends their condolences to the family and friends of Romero during this difficult time.
