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By
Ankush Dwivedi
- February 11, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the prosecution’s request to detain a defendant after being extradited to the U.S. for his alleged involvement in two shooting murders in 1997, during a hearing on Feb. 7.
Oscar Diaz-Romero, 46, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro, 22, and Jose Molina, 27. The incident occurred on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Aug. 9, 1997. The prosecution claimed that Diaz-Romero fled to El Salvador shortly after the fatal shooting and that an undisclosed witness saw Diaz-Romero at a party there on Nov 8, 1997.
After an arrest in El Salvador, Diaz-Romero was extradited back to the United States for the current legal proceedings. The prosecution emphasized that Diaz-Romero is in the U.S. solely for the current detention hearing and potential future proceedings.
Julie Swaney, Diaz-Romero’s attorney, argued that he has matured since the incident – Romero was 19 at the time of the shooting. Swaney added that he understands the seriousness of the charges, along with his lack of criminal record since the incident, means he would not be a danger to the community if released.
Judge Edelman stressed concern about the defendant’s weak ties to the DC area compared to his strong connections in El Salvador. Judge Edelman concluded that Diaz-Romero’s “incentive to flee is large… and no conditions can change that.”
Judge Edelman finally stated that “This is a one-of-a-kind case,” granting the prosecution’s request for detention in the matter stretching into its third decade.
A status hearing is scheduled for April 4.