Athens Man Found After 27 Years of Evading Justice

The Athens Police Department was supporting the Enforcement and Removal Division’s Fugitive Operation Team in the Athens region on December 15th, 2024. Information on Bernabe Roman’s whereabouts was obtained throughout the operation. Roman was wanted for killing Jose Salinas Gomez on December 25th, 1997, in the 1500 block of Wheeler Street in Athens, Alabama. In February 1998, a warrant for Roman’s arrest was issued by the Limestone County Grand Jury indictment. Following receipt of the information, a search warrant was obtained for Roman’s home in Athens, Alabama, located in the 24000 block of Bain Road. After a brief “hold and callout,” both agencies and the Athens HEAT (High-risk Entry & Apprehension Team) were able to execute the warrant at the residence and apprehend Roman. For their help in apprehending Bernabe Roman, the Athens Police Department would like to thank the Enforcement and Removal Division’s Fugitive Operation Team (ICE). Roman had spent nearly twenty-seven years evading justice.