A man who evaded capture for nearly a decade, wanted for a murder in North Carolina, has been apprehended by the FBI in Mexico.
Alejandro Rosales Castillo has been listed on the FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted’ since 2017 after fleeing the U.S. He was sought in connection to the murder of his coworker, 23-year-old ‘Sandy’ Ly Le, in Charlotte.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, announced that Castillo was arrested last Friday. Local federal officers revealed that he was detained in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, in connection to Ly Le’s murder.
Castillo, now 27, is held in Mexico while authorities prepare for his extradition to North Carolina, where the crime happened nine years ago.
Despite the FBI’s efforts and a $250,000 bounty, investigators noted that he managed to live ‘a normal life’ during this time.
FBI Director Patel expressed: “Alejandro Castillo’s arrest is the fifth Ten Most Wanted Fugitive captured under this administration and this FBI since last year – more than the entire previous four years combined.
“That’s no accident. When you have an administration who gives law enforcement the support to execute the mission, they get the job done like nobody else.
“This was outstanding work by our Charlotte team, FBI Legat Mexico, local and federal partners, and partners in Mexico – and we can now begin the process of delivering long-awaited justice for Sandy Ly Le’s family.”
According to NBC affiliate WRAL, Ly Le and Castillo had a brief relationship while working at a restaurant in Charlotte. Castillo, then 17, owed Ly Le money.
After they ended their relationship, Castillo avoided repaying her and started seeing another coworker.
On the night of August 9, 2016, Castillo allegedly contacted Ly Le to settle the debt. However, investigators claim that during their meeting, she was coerced into withdrawing all her money from an ATM.
After taking $1,000 from Ly Le, Castillo is accused of driving her to a secluded area and fatally shooting her.
Her body was found abandoned in a ravine.
FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. stated: “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.”
Pat Harrigan, North Carolina’s 10th district congressman, voiced his relief over Castillo’s arrest on X, saying: “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.”