Sept. 22--Opening statements could begin Tuesday afternoon in the murder trial of Michael Romano, who is accused of shooting his father and stepmother in their home near Crystal Lake.
Romano, now 56, had told authorities that he discovered his parents' bodies at about 3 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2006, after going to check on them because they hadn't answered his phone calls, according to authorities.
But in early 2014, Romano, who had by then relocated from Algonquin to Las Vegas, was arrested and charged with murdering his father Nick, 71, and stepmother Gloria, 65.
The couple, dressed in daytime clothing, were found in separate rooms of their house along a picturesque, tree-lined road. Nothing was stolen or appeared to be have been disturbed, suggesting the couple had let the shooter in and likely knew the person, police and those close to the couple have said.
In the early days of the investigation Romano cooperated with police. The case appeared to have gone cold until his arrest.
Authorities have said they believe the couple were killed sometime in the early afternoon the day before they were found, though the McHenry County coroner did not release a time of death.
Jurors are expected to hear testimony from lawyers who handled the couple's estate and from the couple's older son Nicholas Romano. As many as 85 witnesses are expected to be called.
Prospective jurors have been asked about matters including gun ownership and gambling since jury selection got underway Monday.
Years into the investigation, a $100,000 award was offered for information leading to an arrest. Nicholas Romano vowed in a 2010 Tribune interview to keep pushing to see his parents' killer brought to justice.
"I never let them down and I'm not about to start letting them down right now," he said. "I will see this through."
Michael Romano, if convicted, faces 120 years in prison. He has been held in the McHenry County jail on $3 million bond since his arrest.
Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.
