A MAN hunted across borders for nearly a decade in connection with a brutal murder has finally been captured, ending years on the FBI’s most notorious fugitives list.
The FBI confirmed on Saturday that Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a Ten Most Wanted Fugitive since 2017, was arrested in Mexico on Friday.
The FBI confirmed on Saturday that Alejandro Rosales Castillo was arrested in MexicoCredit: AFP
Castillo is wanted in connection with the murder of his former co-worker, 23-year-old “Sandy” Ly LeCredit: FBI
Castillo is wanted in connection with the murder of his former co-worker, 23-year-old “Sandy” Ly Le, who was killed in Charlotte, North Carolina.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest took place south of the border, marking a major breakthrough in a case that has haunted North Carolina since 2016.
Patel said in a statement: “Alejandro Castillo is the fifth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured since last year, more than the entire previous four years combined. That reflects leadership, not luck.”
“When law enforcement is given clear backing and the freedom to act, results follow,” he added, praising the FBI Charlotte field office, state and local partners and Mexican authorities.
He thanked them for an exceptional effort that finally opens the door to justice for Le’s family.
Authorities allege Castillo owed Le $1,000 and that she vanished after agreeing to meet him at a gas station.
Her vehicle was later discovered in Phoenix, deepening fears and triggering a nationwide manhunt.
Castillo was formally added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in October 2017 – he was Charlotte’s first-ever fugitive on the list.
Representative Pat Harrigan also welcomed the arrest, publicly thanking investigators who refused to let the case go cold.
Harrigan wrote on X: “Nearly nine years after a Charlotte murder, the man responsible is finally in custody.”
“Grateful for the persistence of [FBI Charlotte], CMPD, and our federal partners who never stopped working to bring justice home to North Carolina,” he added.
According to an FBI Charlotte press release, Castillo was captured in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on Friday.
The agency said he remains detained in Mexico and is awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said: “The FBI and our partners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have worked tirelessly to find and arrest Alex Castillo.
“For more than nine years, he lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, but our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice.
“Sadly, Sandy’s family began another new year without her, we hope knowing her accused killer is in custody will provide some level of solace now.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson said the arrest underscored the power of coordinated law enforcement.
“This joint effort sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot outrun justice,” Patterson said.
“Bringing this fugitive to justice makes Charlotte and other communities safer, and while nothing can heal the loss Sandy’s family has endured, we hope this step brings them some peace,” she added.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson also weighed in, warning that “those who engage in violence will not get away with it no matter how hard they try.”
Two other suspects were charged in connection with Le’s murder in 2017, according to WJZY.
Ahmia Feaster, initially reported missing, turned herself in later that year and was extradited from Mexico to North Carolina, WTXF-TV reported at the time.
Feaster faced multiple charges, including accessory-related charges tied to the murder, the outlet said.
A third individual, Felipe Ulloa, was charged in March 2017 with accessory after the fact of murder in connection with Le’s death, WTXF-TV reported.
Fox News Digital said it had reached out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Justice Department for comment.
Castillo was formally added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in October 2017
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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