Overview
- A preliminary autopsy found José Antonio Romano, 52, died from mechanical strangulation and confirmed his body was placed whole inside the freezer.
- Authorities corrected early reports that claimed dismemberment after forensic officials said the body was intact.
- Romano’s sister discovered the scene after receiving a message from his phone that she considered suspicious and not in his usual writing style.
- Forensic teams documented blood stains and drag marks toward the freezer, with the front door locked and little sign of disorder elsewhere in the home.
- Investigators impounded Romano’s pickup found closed in Villa Nueva, are reviewing security footage and phone data, and report no arrests as multiple hypotheses remain open.