Federal law enforcement officials announced a major breakthrough this weekend with the arrest of a longtime fugitive linked to a high-profile murder case in North Carolina.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed Saturday that Alejandro Rosales Castillo—who had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since 2017—was taken into custody in Mexico after nearly nine years on the run.
Authorities say Castillo is wanted in connection with the 2016 killing of his former co-worker, 23-year-old Sandy Ly Le, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The arrest marks one of the most significant FBI captures in recent years and highlights increased cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, said Castillo is the fifth Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured in the past year alone—surpassing the total number of captures from the previous four years combined.
“That outcome reflects leadership and clear direction,” Patel said in a statement. He credited the FBI’s Charlotte field office, state and local law enforcement, and Mexican authorities for their persistence, saying the arrest brings the case one step closer to justice for Sandy Ly Le’s family.
Republican leaders in North Carolina also welcomed the news. Pat Harrington, R-N.C., praised investigators for refusing to abandon the case despite the passage of time.
“Nearly nine years after a Charlotte murder, the man responsible is finally in custody,” Harrington wrote on social media. He thanked the FBI Charlotte team, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and federal partners for what he called their unwavering commitment to justice.
According to the FBI Charlotte Field Office, Castillo was captured Friday in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. He remains detained there and is awaiting extradition to North Carolina to face charges.
James C. Barnacle Jr., special agent in charge of FBI Charlotte, said investigators never stopped pursuing leads in the case, even as years passed.
“For nearly a decade, this suspect lived freely, likely believing he would never be held accountable,” Barnacle said. “Our investigators never gave up. While nothing can undo this family’s loss, we hope knowing the accused killer is now in custody offers some measure of peace.”
Local law enforcement officials emphasized the broader public-safety impact. Estella D. Patterson, chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, said the case demonstrates the power of coordination between agencies at every level.
“This arrest sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot escape justice,” Patterson said. “While nothing can heal the pain suffered by Sandy’s family, holding the accused accountable helps protect our communities.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office echoed that message. Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, said the case proves that time and distance do not shield violent offenders from prosecution.
Court records indicate Castillo allegedly owed Le money and arranged to meet her shortly before she disappeared. Her vehicle was later found abandoned in Arizona. Castillo was officially added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in October 2017.
Two additional suspects were previously charged in connection with the case. One later surrendered and was extradited to North Carolina, while another faced accessory-related charges tied to the investigation.
For supporters of strong law enforcement and cross-border cooperation, the arrest is being viewed as a clear signal that federal authorities—under President Trump—are prioritizing public safety, accountability, and long-delayed justice.