Man accused in 1997 Athens murder caught after nearly 27 years

A man accused of a 1997 murder has finally been caught after nearly 27 years, according to the Athens Police Department.

On Sunday, the Athens Police Department was assisting ICE - Enforcement and Removal Division - Fugitive Operation Team in the Athens area when they received information regarding 47-year-old Bernabe Roman and his location.

Police say Roman was wanted for the Dec. 25, 1997, murder of Jose Salinas Gomez, which occurred in the 1500 block of Wheeler Street in Athens.

A Limestone County Grand Jury indictment warrant was issued for Roman’s arrest in February 1998.

After receiving the information Sunday, a search warrant was obtained for Roman’s residence in the 24000 block of Bain Road in Athens.

Both agencies, along with the Athens HEAT, executed the warrant at the residence and were able to take Roman into custody following a brief “hold and callout”. Police say a “hold and callout” is a tactic used by law enforcement, where the perimeter of a location is secured and held. The occupants of the location are then directed to exit the location in a controlled manner.

 


 

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