Man arrested for murder in Othello

Man found shot dead

OTHELLO — A man was found shot dead in Othello Saturday.

James Romans, 67, Othello, was arrested for murder in the second degree after police responded to a residence on East Elm Street where a shooting involving a .44 caliber gun was reported, according to Othello Police Chief Steve Dunnagan.

Jorge Luis Lopez Montanez, 32, Othello, was pronounced dead at the scene, reported Dunnagan.

The firearm appears to belong to Romans, Dunnagan noted.

Romans was taken to Othello Community Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

It is unknown how many shots were fired and what Lopez Montanez's injuries consisted of, Dunnagan said. Results from an autopsy are pending.

It is unknown if the two men knew each other or why the gun was fired, he said.

The incident remains under investigation with assistance from the Washington State Crime Scene Investigations Unit from Cheney.

— Staff report