LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A man facing charges for the shooting death of a Fort Myers resident has died while in custody at a state treatment facility. Yanko Romero was transferred to the Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center in Indiantown after a judge ruled him incompetent to stand trial earlier this year.
Romero was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Alex Johnson near the Oasis Boat Ramp on June 8. Following his capture, authorities reported that he assaulted another inmate while housed in Lee County jail, bringing to light concerns about his behavior and mental health.
Investigators revealed that Romero had been diagnosed with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after previous treatment at Salus Care in 2022, as disclosed by his common-law wife during police questioning. These mental health challenges may have played a significant role in his alleged criminal actions.
The ongoing investigation into how Romero managed to progress from initial charges to violent behavior in custody raises questions about mental health protocols and inmate care. Law enforcement agencies are assessing the circumstances that led to both the shooting and subsequent attack within the jail system.
State officials have not yet released details surrounding Romero’s death, and it remains unclear whether it was due to natural causes or pending investigations related to his mental health status.
This case continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the events leading to Romero’s actions and the eventual outcomes in custody. Further information is expected to emerge, shedding light on the complexities of dealing with mentally ill offenders within the criminal justice system.