Man jailed in Taos Pueblo slayings

Father, son were found dead in home in 2019

TAOS — Taos Pueblo Gov. Gary J. Lujan announced Tuesday a man has been arrested and charged in the 2019 killings of Antonio “Tony” Romero and his son, Buck Romero.

Joshua Gonzales, 37, of Taos made an initial appearance in court Tuesday on two counts of first-degree murder, according to a news release issued by Lujan. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled Friday.

“The investigation leading to the arrest and arraignment, has been long overdue for many,” Lujan said in a statement. “However, because this case needed to be thorough and precise, what we expect to be swift justice, often comes with delay.

“Though the progress of the case led to an arrest and a step towards justice for the family, the deceased and our entire community — this heinous crime — has torn from our hearts and ceremonial ways of life, two beloved members of our community,” he continued. “May their spirits continue to rest in peace.”

The father and son were found dead June 1, 2019, in Buck Romero’s home, where they both lived.

According to a police report, officers from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety arrived at the Romero residence on Goat Springs Road after being called to perform a welfare check on the Romeros when they hadn’t been heard from for more than a day.

Antonio Romero, 82, was a spiritual leader and skilled carpenter, and Buck Romero, 51, was known for his outgoing and friendly manner, according to a family member. She described Buck Romero as a talented artist, welder, cook and avid skier.

The family member said the slain father and son were very close.

The FBI, which had worked with pueblo police on the case, had sought the public’s help in solving it, offering a $10,000 reward in 2021 for “information that leads to the arrest and conviction” of any suspects.

Court records show Gonzales has faced six felony cases since 2011, including a 2018 case in which he pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, aggravated battery and violating a restraining order prohibiting domestic violence.

There were three active warrants in the state District Court in Taos calling for his arrest in felony cases.