Othello murder suspect claims he can't remember

RITZVILLE — An Othello man arrested for murder reportedly thought it might have been a dream at first, according to Adams County court documents.

James Dallas Romans, 67, was arrested Aug. 4 for murder in the second degree with a firearm enhancement for the death of Jorge Luis Lopez Montanez.

Lopez Montanez, 32, Othello, was pronounced dead at Romans' Othello apartment on East Elm Street. The initial investigation revealed Lopez Montanez suffered one gunshot wound.

"Romans said he thought everything was a dream but since he is here, maybe it wasn't," an Othello police officer wrote in a police report.

Romans reportedly told the officer he left work Aug. 4 at approximately 3:15 p.m. and purchased a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey. He allegedly told the officer he has a history of blacking out from alcohol consumption. He reportedly recalled consuming four shots of whiskey before going to his apartment.

Romans stated he couldn't remember what happened later but thought he might have been drinking with his wife and a neighbor, according to court documents.

"Romans then told me that he remembers the guy hitting him and that he was thinking of getting his gun to defend himself," the officer noted in a police report.

Romans allegedly stated he has no memory of what happened.

"Romans told me that he doesn't know or doesn't know how the person laying on his floor got there," the officer wrote. "Romans said he wasn't saying if he did or didn't shoot the guy but that if he went for his gun that he would have shot (it)."

Law enforcement reportedly located a handgun at Romans' residence with two rounds fired.

Romans allegedly told the officer he keeps two handguns hidden in his recliner for protection.

Romans will be arraigned at the Adams County Courthouse in Ritzville, on Monday.

Murder in the second degree is punishable by a maximum term of life in prison and a $50,000 fine.