A Filipino-American man in New Jersey faces 30 years to life imprisonment after a Hudson County jury found him guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter and setting the home on fire to cover up the crime.
The Jersey Journal reports it took a jury three days of deliberation to convict Romulo Gregorio, 41, of Jersey City guilty of murder, aggravated arson, and terrorizing and stalking Claire Mariano, his former girlfriend and mother of murder victim Christine Mariano.
Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale will sentence Gregorio on March 19.
Gregorio faces 30 years to life in prison.
Gregorio’s attorney maintains his client’s innocence saying the prosecutors case relied solely on circumstantial evidence.
According to prosecutors, Gregorio strangled and killed the 20-year-old Christine Mariano on September 1, 2009 while arguing with her about his failed relationship with her mother, according to the Jersey Journal.
Claire Mariano had broken up with the unemployed Filipino two weeks prior to the murder.
Weeks leading up to the murder, Gregorio sent several text messages to Claire including, “I hope one of us die you animal,” “I will only rest when one of us is dead,” and “I want you to feel what you did to my life,” the Jersey Journal reports.
The body of Christine Mariano was found naked, charred and beyond recognition in her mother’s bedroom. Firefighters found a charred bible beside her.
Prosecutors said Claire Mariano had given Gregorio an ultimatum that lead to their break up. The prosecutor said Claire had told Gregorio that in order for the relationship to continue he would need to find a job, stop drinking alcohol and attend church regularly.
“Think of the symbolism of his putting Christine Mariano in her mother’s bed with a Bible next to her,” said Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Sal Rozzi to the jury.
Gregorio’s attorney Mitchell Nelson said his client was no threat to the Mariano family.
He said the case is completely circumstantial noting that police have not linked Gregorio at the crime scene that day. Police found no fingerprints, DNA or any witnesses who can recall seeing Gregorio enter the home before it was lit up.
At the day of the crime, Gregorio was seen comforting Claire Mariano.
Gregorio claims police have stopped looking for the “real killer” and pinned the blame on him instead. Joseph Pimentel/AJPress