Mexican military and police authorities have arrested Alejandro Rosales Castillo, one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, in connection with the 2016 murder of a young woman in the United States.
Castillo, a 27-year-old American national, was captured on Friday in the city of Pachuca, about 80 kilometres northeast of Mexico City, following a joint security operation, US and Mexican authorities said.
Murder Allegations
Castillo is accused of killing Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le, a 23-year-old woman with whom he worked at a restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. US media reports indicate that the two had a brief personal relationship and that Castillo had borrowed money from the victim prior to her disappearance.
Investigators believe the victim went missing after agreeing to meet Castillo at a gas station in Charlotte. Authorities allege that Castillo later forced her to withdraw money from an ATM before taking her to a wooded area, where she was shot in the head.
Serious Charges and Extradition Process
Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that Castillo had an active Interpol red notice and an arrest warrant for extradition. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and kidnapping.
Following his arrest, Castillo was presented before a public prosecutor to initiate legal proceedings ahead of a possible extradition to the United States.
Years-Long Manhunt
The FBI had listed Castillo among its top 10 most wanted fugitives and offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
“Law enforcement agents worked countless hours to develop leads to locate Castillo, ultimately uncovering where he has been hiding the past several years,” the FBI said in a statement.
International Cooperation
The arrest underscores continued cooperation between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies in tracking and apprehending fugitives accused of serious crimes.
Authorities said further details will be released as legal proceedings progress.
