Full Breakdown
A Mother's Relentless Pursuit: The Manhunt for Krystal Mitchell's Killer
12/27/2025, 2:42:29 AM
The Capture of Raymond McLeod
On August 26, 2022, Josephine Wentzel received a message containing a recent photograph of Raymond McLeod, a fugitive wanted for the murder of her daughter, Krystal Mitchell. McLeod, a 42-year-old former U.S. Marine, was apprehended in Sonsonate, El Salvador, just days later. He faces charges of first-degree murder for the June 2016 strangulation of Mitchell, who was 30 years old at the time of her death. McLeod has pleaded not guilty, claiming the incident was an accident during “rough, consensual sex gone wrong.”
Background of the Case
Krystal Mitchell was found dead shortly after a violent altercation at a San Diego bar on June 10, 2016. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, her death resulted from strangulation, with injuries compared to being struck by a baseball bat. McLeod had a history of domestic violence allegations prior to Mitchell’s murder, including a charge of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse just months before. After the murder, he fled, prompting an international search.
Josephine Wentzel's Advocacy
Josephine Wentzel, a 67-year-old grandmother and former police detective, transformed her grief into a mission to seek justice for her daughter. Over six years, she utilized social media to gather tips and created a “wanted” poster for McLeod, which she disseminated widely, particularly targeting regions in Central America where he was rumored to be hiding. Her relentless pursuit led to the establishment of her nonprofit organization, Angels of Justice, which advocates for unsolved murder cases and calls for the federal government to address the backlog of unresolved homicides.
Community Support and Impact
Wentzel's efforts have resonated with many families of homicide victims. Pat Kuiper, a mother seeking justice for her son, credits Wentzel with reigniting interest in her son’s cold case. Rachel Glass, who lost her daughter to a similar fate, found comfort and guidance in Wentzel’s insights into the investigative process. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged Wentzel as “instrumental” in the search for McLeod, and the U.S. Marshals Service recognized her diligence in working alongside law enforcement.
Challenges and Triumphs
The search for McLeod was fraught with challenges, including a lack of enthusiasm from U.S. embassies in assisting with leads in foreign countries. Wentzel expressed frustration with the slow pace of government investigations, prompting her to take matters into her own hands. In the spring of 2021, the reward for information leading to McLeod’s capture increased to $50,000, which helped generate renewed interest in the case. Ultimately, a tip linked to sightings of McLeod near the Salvadoran border led to his capture.
Reflections on Grief and Advocacy
As McLeod awaits trial, Wentzel reflects on her transformation through this ordeal. “Murder does this to you — it makes you somebody you’re not, if you allow it,” she stated. Despite the emotional toll, she remains focused on raising her daughter’s children and helping others navigate similar grief. Wentzel’s journey underscores the importance of community support and the enduring power of hope in the face of violence.
