FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – An urgent manhunt is underway in Fort Bend County after a man is accused of stabbing his partner to death.
Jhon Vanegas Romero, 24, is wanted in connection with the death of 23-year-old Anyi “Tatiana” Montealegre Izquierdo.
“She was a very gracious person. She was very respectful. My wife loves the way she dress with a lot of respect,” their landlord, Alex Roberteau, said. “She was a very hard worker, too.”
Roberteau found her body inside their home in the 5400 block of FM 762 Rd. in Richmond on Monday and called the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy revealed she was was stabbed multiple times but investigators have not said when she may have died.
Roberteau said he went to the home on FM 762 after Jhon’s co-worker told him he had quit his job.
“Yesterday I got a call from Jhon’s coworker that he showed up at the warehouse and he quit the job. He got one hand that was kind of hurt and he said he did something crazy,” Roberteau said.
Roberteau said he opened several doors of the house while calling out for the couple before making the gruesome discovery.
“I open the door and I find the body on the floor covered with the black sheet,” he said. “I just saw her hands, you know, like dead.....I couldn’t even talk yesterday. It was horrible.”
Lt. Daniel Calvillo with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said the case is being investigated as a domestic violence homicide.
“She was married and it was told to deputies and investigators during preliminary investigation that they did have somewhat of a volatile relationship. And witnesses had seen them engage in what we would consider domestic violence situations,” Calvillo said.
The couple had been in the United States from Colombia for less than a year, Calvillo said. That was in order to pursue a better life, according to Roberteau.
“Tried to get better life for their family. See, they struggle in Colombia. I mean, they’re struggling, so they trying to do better for them, send money, so that (they) can support their family,” Roberteau said.
Monday night, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office followed tips to a possible location for Romero in the Needville area. SWAT officers searched the 2200 block of Richmond St. but Romero was not found.
Investigators recovered the vehicle he was believed to be driving and at this time believe he is on foot. They aren‘t sure where he may be going or if he’s receiving any help.
The search for Romero is ongoing and Calvillo urges anyone who has seen him to call law enforcement rather than approach him because he’s considered armed and dangerous.
Tips can be reported to Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS.
In an effort to help victims, KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help. Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Breaking Free: The state of domestic violence in Texas
Breaking Free - What is emotional and psychological abuse?
Breaking Free: Helping African Americans de-stigmatize abuse, learn to ask the right questions
Breaking Free: The red flags of an abusive relationship and tips on how to leave
Breaking Free from Domestic Violence: Far too many cases to count in Harris County
Breaking Free: Ways loved ones can support domestic violence victims
Do you need help? Free Domestic Violence Resources
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.