Verdict reached in trial of Yuma man charged with murdering elderly couple

By Eduardo Morales, Jailene Aguilera, Marcos Icahuate

Published November 17, 2025 4:36 PM

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A verdict was reached in the trial of a Yuma man charged with brutally murdering an elderly couple.

20-year-old Romeo Jay Arellano was found guilty on all counts Friday. This includes two felony murders, burglary, theft of a credit card, and theft of means of transportation.

He was found guilty of murdering 82-year-old Manuel Marquez and 79-year-old Patricia Marquez in late April of 2024.

Arellano is scheduled to be back in court for a mitigation hearing and potential verdict in December.

He is facing either two life sentences without parole, or two life sentences that could be re-assessed after 25 years.

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Eduardo Morales

Eduardo Morales joined KYMA as a reporter in September 2023. If you have any story ideas or tips, email him at eduardo.morales@kecytv.com.

Jailene Aguilera

Jailene Aguilera joined KYMA in April 2023. She is the anchor/producer for CBS at 6 and 10 pm. If you have any story ideas, contact Jailene at jailene.aguilera@kecytv.com.

Marcos Icahuate

Reach out to Marcos with your story ideas at marcos.icahuate@kecytv.com.

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