patrick.net

Just because I wanted to prove it's possible to go hear a court case, I biked to the Redwood City courthouse, went through security, and tried to enter a random courtroom. Locked. Guard told me they all left for lunch since it was 12:15, and I should come back at 1:30pm. So I ate lunch and came back.

Later at the the same courtroom, it was quite dramatic. Court bailiffs let in the attorneys and defendant first, dark guy who looked kind of gang-y. Courtroom filled up, mostly with Asians, every seat taken, and nine (9) armed bailiffs present. Jurors came out to give their verdict. I was the only blonde person in the room with maybe 50 people.

Judge asked the jury for their verdict and the lead juror handed over a binder. Judge read the verdicts:

1. murder, guilty, killed Lucero with handgun
2. not guilty of child abuse, but guilty of misdemeanor (confusing)
3. guilty of felony child abuse

Then the judge asked the defense attorneys if they had anything else to add, and they said they did and asked for a 15 minute break, which was granted. I left. Whole thing took maybe 20 minutes for me. Then I looked up the details:

https://web.sanmateocourt.org/eddcalendars/EDD_RWC_20260204120316.pdf

So the defendant's name was Romier Taguiam Narag. Looked that up and found this:

Romier Taguiam Narag, a 29-year-old Filipino male from Daly City, California, is facing murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend, Frances Kendra Lucero, 27, in front of their two young children—aged 3 and 4—on March 6, 2023, in Daly City.

January 4, 2023: Arrested for Inflicting Corporal Injury on a Spouse/Cohabitant.
March 7, 2023: Arrested for Murder (Discharge Firearm in Negligent Manner), Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle, and Carrying a Concealed Loaded Weapon.
March 6, 2023: Allegedly shot Lucero with a 9-mm handgun after a heated argument following a family dinner.
Charges Filed: Murder, child endangerment, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was arraigned on March 13, 2024, and remains in custody at the Maguire Correctional Facility.

The incident sparked a countywide response, including the formation of a Domestic Violence Task Force in San Mateo County following five domestic violence-related homicides in 2023.

A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $40,000 to support Frances Lucero's children and funeral costs.
Her mother, Liezel Lucero, has publicly spoken about the tragedy, calling for justice and systemic change.

Narag was previously arrested for domestic violence in January 2023, indicating a history of abuse.