Darbin Romero Sentenced to Life for Mark Lord Jr. Murder, Eligible for Parole in 20 Years

Darbin Joel Romero was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Mark Lord Jr. Today, the 24-year-old was sentenced in the High Court, after pleading guilty to murder on December 17, 2024. Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down the sentence, with a starting point of 25 years. This was increased due to Romero’s repeat offenses but reduced when considering mitigating factors which included remorse, good character, and prospects for rehabilitation. His guilty plea also factored into the final sentence. Romero will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years, with his sentence commencing from the date of his remand, April 12, 2022. Romero’s sentence stems from the fatal shooting of Mark Lord Jr. on April 9, 2022, on Jones Street in Belize City. The crime was witnessed by two police officers on patrol. The agreed facts of the case are chilling. Around 6:30 p.m. that day, officers heard gunshots and saw Mark Lord Jr. running down Jones Street, pursued by Romero, who was armed and firing. Officers watched as Lord Jr. fell, and Romero then fired another shot into his body. Romero fled the scene, changing his shirt along the way. He was apprehended shortly after with Jihadur Gill. A firearm, wrapped in a shirt matching the one Romero was initially wearing, was found on a nearby rooftop. Forensic testing confirmed it was the murder weapon. Mark Lord Jr. suffered six gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head. While Romero initially denied involvement in the killing, the motive was believed to be retaliation. Weeks before the murder, Mark Lord Jr. intervened in a physical altercation between his father and Jihadur Gill’s father, knocking Gill’s father unconscious. The prosecution argued that Romero’s actions were in response to this incident.