Woman arrested in Soto/Guerra capital murder case becomes third suspect to be charged

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police say they have made a third arrest in the murders of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra.

47-year-old Myrta Romanos is facing three charges in this case including altering/destroying a corpse, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. She is believed to be the stepmother of 19-year-old Christopher Preciado, who was already facing capital murder charges in this case. Christopher’s father, Ramon Preciado, is also facing two charges related to attempts to hide the bodies.

Wednesday, police said video survllience shows her at her home right after the murders and leaving in a black truck and returning to her home with the other two suspects. Police say she was also involved in getting rid of evidence.

Soto’s body was found alongside her boyfriend, 22-year-old Matthew Guerra, in a car parked at an apartment complex on Dec. 26. According to police, they were both shot to death.  Savanah was nine months pregnant with a little boy who they named Fabian.

An arrest affidavit states, Christopher Preciado admitted to police he was meeting Savanah and Matthew for a marijuana deal. Christopher claimed Matthew pointed a gun at him which is what led up to the shootings. However, detectives said his claims were inconsistent with the couple’s gunshot wounds. 

Another arrest report says his father, Ramon, arrived to meet his son at the apartment complex in a Chevrolet Silverado truck and attempted to help hide the bodies. One week later, police said Romanos was also in the truck with Preciado. Surveillance video showed all three suspects arrive back home to their house after the murders, investigators said. Police also said a gun believed to be used in the murders belonged to Romanos.

“Homicide detectives were looking for enough probable cause to make that arrest,” SAPD Lt. Michelle Ramos said. “At this time, we are confident there are no more suspects.”