August M
A years-long international manhunt has ended with the capture of a suspect accused of killing a young woman and vanishing across the border.
Federal officials say the arrest closes one of the FBI’s most closely watched cases.
A decade on the run
The FBI has confirmed the arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a fugitive wanted in connection with the 2016 murder of his coworker in Charlotte, North Carolina. Castillo had been listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted since 2017.
According to UNILAD, the suspect was detained on Friday in Pachuca, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, following coordination between US and Mexican authorities.
Castillo, now 27, remains in custody in Mexico while officials prepare extradition proceedings to return him to North Carolina, nearly nine years after the killing.
Breakthrough arrest
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the capture, describing it as a major milestone for the agency. He said the arrest marked the fifth Ten Most Wanted fugitive apprehended under the current administration.
“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,” Patel said.
“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.”
The case revisited
Castillo is accused of murdering 23-year-old Sandy “Ly” Le, a coworker at a Charlotte restaurant. According to NBC affiliate WRAL, the two briefly dated, and Castillo allegedly owed Le money following their breakup.
Investigators believe that on August 9, 2016, Castillo contacted Le under the pretense of repaying her. Instead, authorities allege she was forced to withdraw money from an ATM.
Prosecutors claim Castillo then drove her to a wooded area, shot her in the head, and dumped her body in a ravine.
Justice pursued
FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said the arrest followed years of persistent investigation. “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,” he said.
North Carolina Congressman Pat Harrigan also welcomed the news, writing on X: “Nearly nine years after a Charlotte murder, the man responsible is finally in custody.”
Authorities say Castillo had evaded capture despite an active international search and a $250,000 reward.
Sources: UNILAD, FBI, WRAL, X
