In a startling development, charges against Merta Romanos, the stepmother of a man accused of murdering a pregnant teenager, her boyfriend, and their unborn child, have been dropped just days before her trial was set to begin. The case revolves around the tragic deaths of 18-year-old Savannah Sodto, her boyfriend Matthew Gara, and their unborn son, Fabian, who were found dead in a parked car in San Antonio in December 2023. The shocking nature of their murders has captured public attention and raised questions about the investigation’s integrity.
Romanos had been facing serious charges, including tampering with a human corpse and abuse of a corpse, related to her alleged involvement in covering up the murders. However, on the eve of jury selection, the prosecution requested a continuance due to a backlog at the Bear County Crime Lab, which has yet to analyze key evidence, including the murder weapon. The judge denied this request, leading to the dismissal of all charges against Romanos.
Savannah and Matthew’s disappearance was reported by Savannah’s mother on December 23, 2023. She expressed concern for their safety, especially given Savannah’s imminent induction for childbirth. Tragically, their bodies were discovered just two days later, with evidence suggesting they were shot execution-style. The investigation revealed that their deaths were potentially linked to a drug deal gone wrong, as Matthew was reportedly purchasing marijuana from a suspect named Christopher Presiato.
The case escalated when police uncovered surveillance footage showing a dark-colored truck near Matthew’s vehicle around the time of the murders, and Savannah’s cell phone provided crucial evidence leading to the identification of the suspects. Presiato and his father Ramon were arrested in connection with the case, with both facing charges related to the murders.
Romanos’s involvement, however, was more indirect; she was accused of assisting with the disposal of the bodies. Initially, she denied knowledge of the killings but was later implicated by video evidence. The prosecution’s case against her relied heavily on the analysis of the murder weapon, which has not yet been completed.
The implications of dropping the charges are significant. While Romanos has been released, her legal troubles are not over. The prosecution retains the option to refile charges against her if further evidence emerges. This development raises questions about the prosecution’s strategy and the effectiveness of the investigation, particularly given the emotional weight of the case and the families affected by the murders.
As the case against Presiato moves toward trial in early 2026, the legal landscape remains complex, with the potential for further revelations that could impact all parties involved. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, and the families of the victims continue to seek justice for their loved ones. Romanos’s release adds a layer of tension to an already fraught situation, leaving many to wonder about the future of the case and the possible implications for those still facing charges.
