Captured: Alejandro Castillo, Former FBI Most Wanted Fugitive, Apprehended After Decade-Long Pursuit
A man who was on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitive" list for the alleged murder of a woman in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been apprehended after nearly a decade. Alejandro "Alex" Rosales Castillo was sought for the 2016 killing of his ex-girlfriend, Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le. The FBI revealed that the two had previously worked together at a restaurant in Charlotte, and Castillo had borrowed money from Ly Le. Following the discovery of Ly Le's body in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, her vehicle was found abandoned at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona. Surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection captured Castillo crossing the border from Nogales, Arizona, into Mexico the day before the discovery of Ly Le's body.
After years of investigation and collaboration between FBI special agents and Charlotte Metro Police task force officers, Castillo was located in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. He is currently in custody in Mexico City awaiting extradition to North Carolina. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in apprehending fugitives like Castillo, highlighting the commitment to pursuing justice for victims and their families.
Castillo's arrest marks the 516th capture of a fugitive on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. FBI Director Kash Patel commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in Castillo's capture, underscoring the administration's support for executing the mission of apprehending dangerous criminals. Notable individuals still on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list include former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding and true crime TV producer Mary Carole McDonnell, who faces charges related to fraudulent activities.
The successful apprehension of Alejandro Castillo demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of communities. The collaborative efforts of the FBI, local and federal partners, and authorities in Mexico have led to the capture of a fugitive responsible for a heinous crime. While the process of delivering justice for Sandy Ly Le's family is ongoing, this milestone serves as a reminder that those who commit violent acts will be held accountable for their actions.