Full Breakdown
Alejandro Rosales Castillo Captured: A Decade-Long Manhunt Ends
1/17/2026, 8:49:54 PM
Arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo
Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen, has been arrested in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, after being a fugitive for nearly nine years. He was wanted for the murder of Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le, a 23-year-old woman who was his former co-worker at a restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Castillo was added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list in October 2017, following the discovery of Le's body in a wooded area in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on August 17, 2016. The FBI announced his capture on Saturday, stating that he is currently awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
Background of the Case
The investigation into Le's murder began when her vehicle was found at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, shortly before her body was discovered. Castillo was last seen on surveillance footage crossing the border from Nogales, Arizona, into Mexico on August 16, 2016. A state arrest warrant was issued for him in November 2016, charging him with first-degree murder, followed by a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in February 2017.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The successful apprehension of Castillo is attributed to extensive collaboration among various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Charlotte Field Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), and Mexican authorities such as the Agencia de Investigación Criminal-INTERPOL and the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the effectiveness of this cooperation, noting that Castillo's arrest marks the fifth capture of a Ten Most Wanted fugitive since last year, surpassing the total from the previous four years combined.
Official Statements & Responses
FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. remarked on the persistence of investigators, stating, "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." CMPD Chief Estella D. Patterson highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, asserting that the case demonstrates that violent criminals cannot evade justice. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, reiterated the commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.
Criticism & Opposition
While the arrest has been largely praised, some critics have raised concerns about the broader implications of U.S. military involvement in foreign nations, particularly in light of recent comments from President Donald Trump regarding potential actions against Mexican drug cartels. These discussions may complicate the narrative surrounding law enforcement cooperation and the extradition process.
What's Next
As Castillo awaits extradition to North Carolina, the legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case. The ongoing investigation may also lead to further developments regarding other individuals involved in the murder, including Ahmia Feaster, who turned herself in to authorities in 2017, and Felipe Ulloa, who was charged as an accessory after the fact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
- “This joint effort sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot outrun justice.” — Estella D. Patterson, CMPD Chief
- “those who engage in violence will not get away with it — no matter how hard they try.” — Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina
