Bio

Edwin Rios Romero was born in 1964 in New York City. As Edwin grew up, he moved to different areas. At some point, he settled in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was living in the city at a time when it was facing economic troubles. This could have influenced his decisions and life choices. Details about his work or relationships during this period are also scarce.

In early January 1995, Edwin was involved with three other men. They all traveled to Allentown for a specific purpose. Edwin's life took a significant turn during this time, leading to events that would change everything. 

Murder Story

On January 3, 1995, Edwin Rios Romero and three other men committed the murder of David Bolasky in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Bolasky, who was 41 years old, was an architect and was collecting rent that day from a tenant named Miguel Moreno. Romero and his accomplices had a plan to rob Bolasky during this visit.

When Bolasky arrived at the apartment, Moreno introduced him to his uncle, George Lopez. Moreno then stepped out to get more money, leaving Bolasky alone with Lopez. Lopez suddenly pulled out a gun, forcing Bolasky to move to a room where Romero and another accomplice, Jorge Barbosa, were hiding.

After an initial failed attempt to strangle Bolasky with a rope, Romero used a towel. The three men took turns tightening the towel around Bolasky's neck until he died. Three days later, on January 6, Bolasky's body was discovered in the woods. The towel used in the strangulation was still around his neck, and his body was frozen.

On March 19, 1996, a jury convicted Romero and Lopez of first-degree murder, robbery, and theft by unlawful taking. The jury sentenced both men to death. Two other accomplices received different sentences. George Ortiz Barbosa pleaded guilty and got a life sentence, while Miguel Moreno received 20 to 40 years for his role in the crime.

Romero was sentenced to death on April 17, 1996. Over the following years, his execution faced delays due to legal proceedings. In total, two warrants were issued for his execution, but both were stayed for various legal reasons, including appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. After several reviews, post-conviction relief was denied by the court in 2000.