< Previous Page
Román said he initially confessed to police that he had shot the deputy, because Greathouse had threatened his family.
When defense attorney Stephen McCaughey asked Román why he didn’t mention this following Greathouse’s overdose death, which ended the potential threat, Román answered that the trial was his first chance to testify.
Police testified seeing Greathouse’s Ford truck and Román’s Cadillac leave in separate directions following the meeting on McCornick Road, where the drug deal allegedly occurred.
But Román explained that a third man who was with them — someone whose name he does not remember — had agreed to drive Greathouse’s truck home while Román and Greathouse went to collect the money.
Fox’s sergeant, Rhett Kimball, testified he saw two vehicles stop briefly on a rural road near McCornick. He ordered Fox to follow the Cadillac and gave her the go-ahead to make the traffic stop just outside of Delta because there was a question about whether the owner of the car had an outstanding warrant.
"10-4," Fox said over the radio just after 1 a.m. on Jan. 5. "I’ll be over by the ballpark."
Those were the last words anyone, other than Román, heard from the 37-year-old deputy, prosecutors say.
Following the shooting, Román fled north to Nephi and later to Salt Lake City, according to testimony. From there, he and another man, Ruben Chavez-Reyes, rode buses and TRAX trains south. They took a limousine around Utah County and later a cab to Beaver for $300. There they hoped to find a friend who could help them flee to Mexico, police said.
Prosecutors had intended to pursue the death penalty for Román, but it was removed from consideration after Eyre determined Román was ineligible because he met the legal definition of mental retardation.
Román did not speak at sentencing at his lawyers’ advice. Defense attorneys said they believe the man will face federal charges in the future.
-
Kearns seniors, students gather to build lasting relationships
Published May 22, 2013 11:33:03AM -
Out Takes: Capitol Reef National Park, a Utah gem
Published May 22, 2013 11:32:03AM -
Where in Utah was this photo taken?
Published May 22, 2013 11:31:02AM -
U.K. official: London attack near barracks could be terror-related
Published May 22, 2013 11:26:03AM
Defense attorney Steve McCaughey said Román expected to receive a maximum sentence, after which he will be turned over to immigration officials for likely deportation. McCaughey said Eyre’s comments could be the basis of an appeal.
Twitter: @aaronfalk
Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
