WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oscar Diaz Romero, a 47-year-old national from El Salvador, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his involvement in a double murder that occurred nearly 30 years ago. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentencing today, following Diaz Romero’s conviction on two counts of second-degree murder for the shooting deaths of Jose Roberto Molina, 21, and Jose Noel Coreas, 22, in August 1997.
The incident took place in the early hours of August 9, 1997, at the then-Las Rocas restaurant located in the 2400 block of 18th Street NW. According to court evidence, Diaz Romero was with friends when a confrontation broke out between groups of young men. During the altercation, he drew a revolver and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Molina, a father of two, and Coreas, who was celebrating his birthday that night.
Diaz Romero fled the scene and returned to El Salvador, where he remained until his arrest in 2024. After being extradited to the United States in January 2025, he has been held in custody while awaiting trial. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman imposed the 24-year sentence, which will be followed by three years of supervised probation.
“Nearly thirty years after fleeing justice, Oscar Diaz Romero’s day of reckoning has come,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Let this be clear: if you commit murder in our community and attempt to escape accountability, my office will never rest until you are brought to justice. Today’s sentencing affirms that violent acts against our residents will be met with consequences.”
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, with Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll commending the efforts of the officers involved. Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Clark and Richard Carlton were also recognized for their roles in prosecuting the case, which underscores the ongoing commitment to public safety in Washington, D.C.
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