California Man Convicted of Murder for Fatally Shooting Girlfriend as Their Children Watched
A San Mateo County jury has found Romier Taguiam Narag guilty of first-degree murder for the 2023 shooting death of his girlfriend, Frances Kendra Lucero, an attack that prosecutors say unfolded in front of the couple’s two young children.
The verdict, delivered on Friday, concludes the trial regarding the March 6, 2023, incident in Daly City. In addition to the murder charge, Narag, 30, was convicted of felony child abuse and misdemeanor child endangerment. Jurors also upheld sentencing enhancements related to the use of a firearm.
The Incident
According to court documents and testimony presented during the trial, the fatal confrontation occurred as the family returned home from a dinner outing. Prosecutors detailed that an argument began in the driveway of their home. As the dispute escalated, Narag produced a 9mm handgun.
Evidence showed that Lucero, 27, attempted to flee the violence, running toward the residence. Narag opened fire as she ran, striking her while their children—aged 3 and 4 at the time—were present and witnessed the killing. The chaotic scene only ended when the defendant’s brother physically wrestled the weapon away from him, preventing further discharge of the firearm.
Defense and Legal Proceedings
Throughout the proceedings, the defense focused on the context of the domestic dispute, framing the event as a spontaneous tragedy fueled by a heated argument rather than a calculated act of malice. Legal counsel for Narag scrutinized the timeline of the evening, suggesting the escalation was unplanned. However, the prosecution successfully argued that Narag’s actions—specifically drawing a weapon and firing at a fleeing victim—demonstrated the premeditation required for a first-degree murder conviction. The jury’s decision to convict on the most serious charges indicates they rejected the theory that this was a crime of passion without intent.
Background and Sentencing
Frances Lucero is remembered by her family as a devoted mother. A statement released by her relatives described her as “the most genuine, thoughtful, loyal, and ambitious woman,” emphasizing that she “dedicated her life to her children.”
The conviction carries a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life for the murder charge alone, with additional time likely for the firearm and child endangerment enhancements. Narag is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on March 5, 2026.
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