A Texas man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for a calculated ambush that resulted in the deaths of a father and son on a rural road near Waco.
Background
Romi Frentescu, 33, was convicted last week of two counts of capital murder in the October 2024 killings of Michael David Morris, 38, and his stepson Braxton Johnson, 18. The slayings occurred at the intersection of Mackey Ranch Road and Old Moody Road in Bruceville-Eddy — a small community roughly 20 miles south of Waco.
The violence stemmed from an ongoing feud between rival biker clubs. Frentescu held a ranking position in the Ugly Man Cossacks, while Morris was affiliated with the 1%ers Cossacks, according to testimony and charging documents.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Frentescu deliberately lured Morris out of his home by riding past and taunting him — comparing it to casting bait to catch fish. A witness currently serving time in a state jail facility testified that Frentescu admitted to the killing, saying he had "completed the project" he set out to do.
The defense maintained that Frentescu acted in self-defense after Morris pulled a switchblade on him during the confrontation. They painted Morris as the aggressor and argued their client tried to mediate the situation despite escalating threats from the rival club.
"Romi is a peacemaker," one defense attorney said, according to KWTX coverage of the trial. "He tried to calm the situation down... Romi was defending himself every minute of that day."
The Investigation
According to witness testimony recounted in court, Frentescu and Morris were squaring up as if to fight when someone uttered the words "let's do this" — signaling the eruption of violence. A pickup truck then ran over one of the motorcycles, and four shots rang out.
"You just murdered two people. You are going to prison," one victim could be heard screaming before he died, a witness testified.
In a chilling display of disregard for human life, Frentescu fled the scene in a red pickup driven by a woman — but returned shortly after. A witness described seeing him approach a nurse rendering aid and demand she stop helping one of the dying men.
"Let him f---ing die," Frentescu allegedly told the medical responder.
The same witness said there was no visible remorse from the defendant, and notably, never observed Morris in possession of the knife that formed the foundation of the self-defense claim.
Investigating officers noted inconsistencies between Frentescu's account and physical evidence. Despite his claims of being attacked with a switchblade, arresting deputies documented an absence of injuries on the defendant's body inconsistent with his story.
Key Takeaways
- Frentescu was automatically sentenced to life in prison without parole under Texas law because prosecutors did not seek the death penalty
- A witness testified that Frentescu returned to the crime scene and told a nurse treating the victims: "Let him f---ing die"
- Another witness said Frentescu admitted to luring Morris out of his home, comparing it to fishing with bait
- The defense claimed self-defense after Morris allegedly pulled a switchblade; officers noted an absence of injuries on Frentescu's body
- Jurors deliberated roughly one hour before reaching their verdict
What's Next
Frentescu has 30 days from his conviction to file an appeal with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. While life without parole is the sentence imposed, defense attorneys may pursue challenges based on trial proceedings or evidentiary rulings. Any co-defendant connected to the case — including the woman who allegedly drove the getaway vehicle — could face separate charges. McLennan County District Attorney's Office has not indicated further announcements at this time.