Former Algonquin man convicted of killing father, stepmom
A former Algonquin man was found guilty Thursday of killing his estranged father and stepmother in their Cary-area home in an attempt to gain a share of a $2 million estate.
Michael Romano was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of Nick Romano Sr., 71, and his wife, Gloria, 65, who were both shot in the head Nov. 20, 2006.
Prosecutors said Romano was seeking his inheritance. What he didn't know, however, was his father had removed him from the will.
The jury of four women and eight men deliberated about two hours Wednesday and a little more than an hour Thursday morning.
Romano, 56, was indicted in January 2014 and extradited from Las Vegas to stand trial. He had moved to Las Vegas in 2009.
"It's like a puzzle," McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney John Gibbons told jurors Wednesday. "That puzzle is not difficult: Motive, money with a side order of resentment."
During the 10-day trial before Judge Sharon Prather in McHenry County, prosecutors argued Romano was the only person who could have killed his father and stepmother.
Romano told police he was worried his father didn't return phone messages the previous day, so he went to their home about 3 a.m. Nov. 20, 2006, and found them both shot to death.
Romano was at least $135,000 in debt, owing $70,000 on a credit card, $20,000 to his father, $30,000 in federal taxes and at least $15,000 to his mistress of 15 years. He had also lost the job his father had gotten for him.
Prosecutors said that on his way to the house, Romano stopped at a convenience store to buy cigarettes and coffee. He told the clerk "Keep the change. I just came into a large inheritance."
Romano's mistress testified that on the day of the deaths, Romano asked her to go to his house to let out his dog, while he was being questioned by police. She said she found a note and a safe-deposit box key. The undated note read, "Now that you know, you will realize why I did what I did. Enjoy this with your girls," she testified.
Assistant State's Attorney Robert Zalud said Romano was conscious of his guilt and told implausible lies to investigators from the beginning.
Romano's attorney argued Romano's brother, Nick Romano Jr., also had motive to kill the couple. He was the sole beneficiary of the estate.
Nick Romano Jr. cried when the verdict was read, and hugged prosecutors. He declined to comment after court.
Romano will be sentenced in November, and faces life in prison.