An illegal immigrant from Honduras, Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, was arrested in Haines City, Florida, on Sunday after an attempted murder that led to a self-inflicted injury. Romero, who had been sending violent and threatening messages to his ex-girlfriend since their breakup, tried to kill her new boyfriend but accidentally shot off his own finger instead.
Around 5:45 p.m., Romero, in a fit of rage, attempted to force his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home after she and her new boyfriend refused him entry. The police report states that Romero removed a window screen and entered the house, where he confronted the new boyfriend. He then opened fire, hitting the victim multiple times.
However, Romero’s aim faltered—he “blasted off his own ring finger” during the shooting. The gun dropped, and Romero fled on foot. Miraculously, the new boyfriend survived the attack despite being shot in the hand, chest, shoulder, and head.
Romero was found after a multi-agency search by local law enforcement. Authorities, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 units, tracked him down in the woods some miles away from the scene.
Romero, who was in the U.S. illegally, should not have been in the country. His immigration status raises questions about how he managed to remain in the U.S., particularly after a previous trespassing incident with his ex-girlfriend earlier in 2024. Despite this, Romero was not deported after that incident.
Romero faces charges, including attempted first-degree murder, burglary with assault and battery, and various other crimes related to the shooting. This incident highlights the dangers of failing to enforce immigration laws and the risks posed by criminals who remain in the country illegally. The justice system must hold individuals accountable, regardless of their immigration status.