Man in court for 2013 double homicide

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A man accused of a double murder at a northeast Bakersfield house party in 2013 appeared in court Tuesday.

Julio Jesus Romero is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. His arraignment was postponed until July 8.

Jose Garcia III, 20, and Feliberto Ponce, 17, were shot on Columbus Street at a house party on May 26, 2013.

Romero is accused of being the gunman.

Family members of the two victims sat in court for Romero's appearance. They also spoke to Eyewitness News outside the court afterward.

Garcia's mother, Victoria Gonzalez, said it was emotional seeing Romero.

"He didn't face the crowd," she said. "To me, he's a coward. He was a coward when he did it. He ran for two years. He didn't face anybody. That just goes to show what type of person he is."

After two years on the run, Romero was arrested Friday in Mexico and extradited to Bakersfield for his court appearance Tuesday.

His bail was denied.