Suspect in 1991 murder case pleads not guilty

EPHRATA — A suspect in the 1991 murder of a Moses Lake woman was arrested in Texas last month and is now awaiting trial in Grant County.

Arnulfo Romero Bravo, 65, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the 1991 homicide of Moses Lake resident Barbara J. Kipp. Bravo also entered a not guilty plea to possession of cocaine.

Bravo was apprehended in Texas in November during a traffic stop in the Fort Worth area. He waived extradition and was transported back to Washington and booked into the Grant County Jail on Nov. 22. Bravo’s trial date was set for Jan. 19. Attorney Michael Morgan has been appointed as his defense counsel.

Court records indicate that Kipp was found dead in her South Adams Street residence on Oct. 1, 1991, by her roommate. The roommate explained to investigators that Kipp and Bravo were in a dating relationship. He claimed that prior to leaving for a fishing trip on Sept. 27, 1991, Kipp confided in him that she was having difficulties in her relationship with Bravo and she was planning on breaking up with him.

“(Kipp’s roommate) further related that Kipp had told him Bravo had threatened to kill her before and stated he would kill her if anything came between them,” reads courts documents.

Investigators believe Bravo strangled the victim to death and stole jewelry, money and a 1987 Ford Tempo, which Kipp’s roommate had given her permission to drive, from the Adams Street residence.

A local bartender later told a detective that Kipp and Bravo came into his tavern two days before Kipp’s body was discovered. Kipp allegedly approached the man and told him she was afraid of Bravo and needed to leave. The witness claimed Kipp had told him she was afraid of Bravo on several different occasions. On Oct. 7, 1991, a man who identified himself as Bravo’s friend contacted a MLPD detective and advised he had received a phone call from Bravo, who was reportedly in the Sacramento area.

“Bravo advised he was returning to Moses Lake in order to talk about Kipp’s death. During the course of their conversation, Bravo told (his friend) that he was in the Ford Tempo and admitted to taking both the money and jewelry,” reads court documents.

Bravo was interviewed by a detective the next day and he allegedly admitted to taking Kipp’s jewelry out of her bedroom, a watch off her wrist, $200 from her purse and the Ford Tempo. Warrants were later issued for Bravo’s arrest, but he was able to avoid police contact for 25 years until his November arrest in Texas.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.