LARGO, FL — Murder suspect Vincent Romanino, 45, died Thursday, October 29, after being found unresponsive inside his cell at the Pinellas County Jail, just 13 days after being arrested on a first-degree murder charge.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, detention deputies discovered Romanino unresponsive at approximately 3:39 p.m. with a bedsheet tied around his neck and secured to a stool inside his cell.
Approximately 25 minutes earlier, at 3:14 p.m., detention deputies had conducted a well-being check and observed Romanino showering inside his cell.
Detention staff and medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures. Romanino was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m.
According to reports, Romanino was arrested in October 2023 in connection with the 2022 shooting death of 46-year-old Dominick Paternoster. Prosecutors accused him of helping fellow gang members burn and dispose of evidence. He posted a $100,000 bond in January 2024.
Romanino, a former City of Tampa employee, was indicted on a first-degree murder charge earlier this month and booked back into jail on October 16. He was scheduled for a bond hearing next week.
Regarding Romanino’s death, detectives reviewed jail surveillance footage and determined he was alone in his cell at the time of the incident. Based on the evidence, investigators determined the circumstances were consistent with suicide.
His next of kin has been notified, and the investigation remains ongoing. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
