PHOENIX— On March 6, 2018 Javier Romero (D.O.B. 12/21/1990) was found guilty by a jury of 2nd Degree Murder in connection to the 2013 stabbing death of 26-year-old Miguel “Mike” Hernandez and one count of aggravated assault on a police officer.

On November 25, 2013 police were called to a downtown Phoenix restaurant by workers indicating Romero had attacked a member of the kitchen staff with a knife.  Witnesses said the two men were working together to unload a delivery in the kitchen just before the stabbing.  Surveillance video showed that Romero attacked Hernandez from behind and dragged him toward a utility closet.

Hernandez died at the scene from multiple stab wounds to his upper body.  Romero was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for self-inflicted cuts to his arm. At the hospital, Romero assaulted a police officer by trying to reach for his weapon.

During the trial, Romero claimed insanity as a defense for the murder and assault. The assigned prosecutor had to work to ensure the jury had the evidence needed to reject the claim by the defendant and ensure that he was held accountable for his actions.

Sentencing is this case is set for May 11, 2018.