Prosecutors dropped charges against Myrta Romanos, accused of abusing a corpse and tampering with evidence in the 2023 murder of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra.
SAN ANTONIO — A stunning turn in a case that’s haunted San Antonio for nearly two years.
The woman accused of helping hide the bodies of 18-year-old Savanah Soto, her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, and their unborn son walked free Wednesday – after prosecutors dropped every charge against her during jury selection.
Myrta Romanos, the stepmother of accused shooter Christopher Preciado, had faced charges of abuse of a corpse and two counts of tampering with evidence. But during jury selection Wednesday morning, the state abruptly filed motions to dismiss the charges for further investigation.
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the dismissal, saying in a statement: “The case has been dismissed for further investigation. We cannot provide additional comment because the related cases are still pending.”
For the victims’ families, the news came as a shock and a heartbreak.
“We should have been notified from the DA’s office to better prep ourselves,” said Matthew’s father, Gabriel Guerra. “This is how we found out the same way everyone else did, on Facebook.”
Both Gabriel and his wife, Raquel, left work early when they saw the post. They said the lack of communication from prosecutors left them blindsided once again.
“At least [the suspects] were separated before,” Gabriel said. “Ramon was on house arrest and Myrta and Chris were both in jail. Now with charges dropped, she’s not a co-defendant, so she’s gonna be able to go with Ramon for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.”
Romanos was released Wednesday – her 666th day in jail.
Soto and Guerra were found shot to death inside a car parked at a northwest-side apartment complex the day after Christmas in 2023. The couple’s unborn son, Fabian, also died.
Nearly two years later, their families say closure still feels far away.
“We’ve been waiting for this for two years already,” Gabriel said. “We knew it was gonna take longer, but we’re just ready for some closure, for some justice to be handed down.”
Guerra said he spoke to the 290th District Court just hours before the dismissal.
“Two hours before this, I was on the phone asking if [Romanos] had a court date,” he said. “They told me they were getting her jury together today. Usually after that, the trial starts tomorrow. It went from that to 11 o’clock breaking news saying charges were dropped.”
The family says prosecutors told them the move was part of a broader trial strategy.
“Eventually it will be addressed next year,” Gabriel said. “It’s part of their strategy – who they want to try first.”
Romanos’ husband, Ramon Preciado, is accused of helping his son hide the bodies. He bonded out in February. Christopher Preciado remains in jail, with trial set for February 2.
Gabriel says the pain grows with each missed milestone.
“This is how old Fabian would have been right now,” he said, pointing to a birthday portrait Gabriel received from their daughter showing an age progression of their unborn grandson.
“We would have been celebrating the holidays with him and his birthday. Instead, it’s the murderers who’ll be together for the holidays,” said Raquel.
In October, the Guerra’s celebrated Matthew’s 24th birthday at the cemetery. Days later, another Día de los Muertos came and went with Matthew’s photo once again on the family’s ofrenda.
“They were robbed of their second chance,” Gabriel said. “They were young. They had plans. They were excited.”
The Guerra’s say they’ll keep fighting for justice and to keep the memories of Matthew, Savanah, and baby Fabian alive.
“It’s taking a toll on us,” Gabriel said. “But we just stick together and hope for the best.”