Son of DOJ special agent sentenced to life for double murder

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The son of a high ranking special agent at the Fresno department of justice office is headed to prison for life without parole. Eloy Romero, Jr., was convicted for a double murder last month.

Romero's crimes earned him the title "cold-blooded murderer" from the judge and he didn't say a word when offered the chance to apologize. And yet, his victim's family gave him memories and mercy.

Joseph Blunt's life ended upside down in a wrecked car near Reedley. He and friend George Duarte had been shot in the back of the head while the car was moving. Blunt's 11-year-old son would rather forget the crime scene, but he'll hold tight to the memory of his father's last day alive. "He took us to go eat at Subway," said Jacob Blunt. "He was so happy just being with us. I will never forget his big, cheesy smile."

Romero killed Blunt and Duarte and he might've gotten away with it except for one mistake.

Investigators initially thought the crash killed the victims, but an autopsy uncovered the gunshot wounds. That's when detectives realized Romero had left his phone in the car.

Prosecutors say Romero killed for revenge, believing a gang had something to do with his mother's death, even though coroners found she died of natural causes or a drug overdose.

"I don't know if you really believed Joseph hurt your mom or if you were on drugs or if other people manipulated you to do it," said Blunt's sister, Michelle Blanco.

Blunt's family says whatever the reason, it was wrong, and it leaves them with emotional scars that'll be hard to heal. But they won't let Romero haunt their future like he has their past. "We don't hold any anger or hatred in our hearts towards you," said Sandra Blunt, Joseph's sister. "My mother has already forgiven you and prays you will find the Lord because you are so lost."

Duarte's family was also there to see Romero sentenced Thursday, but they chose not to say anything.