PHIL MEYER, PLLC ATTORNEY AT LAW

Promenade One at the Eilan (210) 229-8000

17806 Interstate 10 West, Suite 300 (210) 229-8810 - Facsimile
San Antonio, Texas 78257 phil@philmeyerlaw.com

December 16, 2019

PRESS RELEASE
TO ALL MEDIA OUTLETS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RE: December 4, 2019 Tragedy at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

Statement of the Family of Gabriel Antonio Romero

I have been asked to act as the spokesman for the Family of Gabriel Romero (“the
Family”) and to issue this statement in response to numerous media inquiries regarding the
deeply tragic shooting deaths and injuries that occurred on December 4, 2019 at the Pearl
Harbor Naval Shipyard. The US Navy and media reports have pointed to Gabriel Romero,
22, of San Antonio, Texas as the perpetrator of the deaths of Vincent J. Kapoi, Jr. and Roldan
A. Agustin, and the serious injuries to Roger Nakamine.

First, to the victims and their families whose lives have been shattered by this tragedy:
the Family has no words that can adequately convey their profound grief and sadness for the
losses you have suffered. The Family knows none of their words can replace your lost loved
ones or assuage your pain but hopes that you may find strength and solace over the coming
months and years. They grieve with you and hope you know that they wish you peace.

Second, the Family is struggling to understand the circumstances that led to these
heartbreaking events and how Gabe could have become capable of acting in such a destructive
manner. This senseless act was entirely outside of Gabe’s character as they knew and loved
him over his lifetime.

The Family issues the following statement:

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families,

friends, and loved ones of all those effected by the tragedy that occurred
at the USS Columbia in the shipyard at Pearl Harbor on December 4, 2019.
We ask that you try to understand that we too have suffered a sudden and
horrific loss as well. Since Gabriel no longer has a voice, we wish to speak
on his behalf. We have been overwhelmed with a tremendous amount of
grief with the loss of our beloved Gabriel, and we hope to lay him to rest
soon. This event shocked us all, and for those who knew him, was
completely out of character. For those who never had the opportunity to
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know him, we would like to share who he was to us as a son, brother, loved
one, and friend.

“As a boy, Gabriel was a fun-loving, active and happy child. He grew into
a doting, thoughtful, and protective brother. He was involved in sports at
a young age which continued into young adulthood, positively impacting
many teammates and families. He continued to grow into a thoughtful,
ambitious, and courageous teen.

“A note we received from a former teammate of Gabriel’s reads “my heart

aches for you all... What happened . . . is so far off from the Gabe I knew.
Gabe was a captain on our team, a leader. People looked up to him. He
walked softly and carried a big stick. He loved his family, he would often
share to me about his siblings. I was proud of Gabe when I heard he
enlisted because he was such a selfless teammate and that’s exactly what
the military is about… Gabe made an incredible impact over the years on
his teammates and coaches. He will be missed and I will do everything I
can, to be a leader that he was for me and our team in the short years we
were together”.

“After his hockey years, Gabriel’s love for his country led him to enlist in
the U.S. Navy. As with all families with loved ones who serve, watching
him leave was difficult, though we trusted Gabriel’s decision to be in a new
‘team’ environment where his drive could allow him to thrive. We knew
how great a sailor he would be because he was a natural leader, selfless and
meticulous. Gabriel even had his own ‘five-year plan,’ which showed his
goal-orientation and level of self-discipline.

“Our hope is that this glimpse of Gabriel, brief as it may be, will inform
you of how shocked and shaken we all are by this catastrophic act. All the
families affected have experienced an immense loss. We would appreciate
privacy at this time so we may grieve and try to heal. Thank you.”

Gabriel was laid to rest today in San Antonio as many friends and relatives came to
comfort the Family at the private services. The Family has asked for privacy and that you
direct any inquiries you have to my office. I ask that you respect their request as they try to get
on with their lives and to make sense of this heartbreaking and shocking loss.

PHIL MEYER, PLLC

By: __________________________
Phil Meyer