Photo: CBS 12
St. Lucie County Sheriff's officials say a nearly 25 year old cold case has been solved.
An illegal immigrant serving a life sentence for crimes committed in Broward County is now charged with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of a Fort Pierce couple.
"DNA is huge. I sent off a lot of things for DNA on this case."
Detective Paul Taylor says technological advances in DNA is part of what linked 58-year old Julian Antonio Romero to the murders of 77-year old Robert Hardwick and 58-year old Vernice Reese back in October of 2000.
"I Think both of them were stabbed and the house was burned down."
A keychain found in a car stolen from the home featured a photo of Romero's young daughter. The suspect was found sleeping in that vehicle in Wilton Manors.
Romero has been moved to the St. Lucie jail to face charges in the 2000 murders.
Taylor says the suspect is a Honduran national who is in the country illegally and has an ICE detainer. If he's ever a free man, he will be deported.
