El Centro Police Arrest Suspect in Connection to November 2024 Fatal Shooting

EL CENTRO, Calif. - After a months-long investigation, the El Centro Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in November 2024.

According to authorities, officers responded to reports of gunfire on the 1000 block of Sandalwood Drive on November 10, 2024. Upon arrival, they discovered Francisco Romo, 45, suffering from two gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Romo was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified Rudy Isaac Hernandez, 32, as the alleged shooter. A “pickup and hold”order was issued for Hernandez, and on March 2, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m., El Centro police officers located him on the 600 block of Main Street.

Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Coordination Center, where he was interviewed by detectives. He was later booked into the Imperial County Jail on murder charges under California Penal Code 187, with bail set at $1 million.

Authorities have not released further details, citing an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the El Centro Police Department.