Romans pleads not guilty

OTHELLO - James Dallas Romans, 67, Othello, pleaded not guilty to murder in the second degree in Adams County Superior Court Monday.

Romans was arrested Aug. 4 for allegedly shooting Jorge Luis Lopez Montanez.

Lopez Montanez, 32, Othello, was pronounced dead at Romans' Othello apartment on East Elm Street. An investigation revealed Lopez Montanez suffered a single gunshot wound.

Romans claims he can't remember how Lopez Montanez died and recalls thinking the incident was a dream, according to a court document.

Romans allegedly told police he recalls consuming alcohol after work and going home the day of the incident. He reportedly told police he has a history of blacking out when consuming alcohol. Romans said he thought he was drinking with his wife and a neighbor when he got home, according to the court document.

"Romans then told me that he remembers (Lopez Montanez) hitting him and that he was thinking of getting his gun to defend himself," an officer noted in a court document.

Police reportedly located a handgun in Romans' residence. Two rounds were allegedly fired from the gun. Romans reportedly told the officer he keeps two handguns hidden in his recliner for protection.

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