After nearly a decade on the run, a notorious fugitive has been caught.
The FBI announced on Saturday that Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a name on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since October 2017, was arrested in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on Friday.
Castillo is wanted in connection with the 2016 murder of 23-year-old “Sandy” Ly Le, his former co-worker, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently detained in Mexico, he awaits extradition to North Carolina for trial, marking the fifth capture of a Ten Most Wanted fugitive since last year, according to FBI officials and the Charlotte field office.
The arrest, a joint effort with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), underscores persistent law enforcement collaboration. FBI Director Kash Parel and other officials highlighted the significance of this capture in bringing closure to Le’s family. Rep. Pat Harrington (R-N.C.) also commended the relentless work of federal and local partners in securing justice.
The story began in 2016 when Sandy Ly Le vanished after meeting Castillo at a gas station in Charlotte over a reported $1,000 debt, the New York Post reported. Her vehicle was later discovered in Phoenix, far from the crime scene. Authorities soon identified Castillo as the prime suspect in her murder.
By 2017, Castillo’s name was etched onto the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, signaling a nationwide hunt. Two other individuals, Ahmia Feaster and Felipe Ulloa, were also charged in connection with the case that year, with Feaster turning herself in after being extradited from Mexico. Ulloa faced charges as an accessory after the fact.
For over nine years, Castillo evaded capture, reportedly living a normal life while investigators refused to relent. The breakthrough in Pachuca finally ended his long escape. It’s a stark reminder that justice, though delayed, can still prevail.
The issue has sparked debate over how fugitives manage to slip through the cracks for so long. While law enforcement deserves credit for this arrest, questions linger about why it took nearly a decade to track down someone accused of such a grave crime. Patience paid off, but at what cost to public safety?
FBI Director Kash Parel stated, “Alejandro Castillo is the fifth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured since last year, more than the entire previous four years combined. That reflects leadership, not luck.” Fine words, but they gloss over the years of frustration for Le’s family, who waited while bureaucracy and borders slowed the chase.
Parel added, “When law enforcement is given clear backing and the freedom to act, results follow.” True enough, yet one wonders if progressive policies prioritizing leniency over swift action played a role in prolonging this manhunt. Stronger support for our agents shouldn’t be a novel idea—it should be the baseline.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson noted, “This joint effort sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot outrun justice.” Her point hits hard, but it’s worth asking if communities like Charlotte would feel safer with tougher deterrents upfront, rather than relying on long, costly pursuits. Prevention, not just prosecution, matters.
Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, echoed a firm stance, declaring that violent offenders won’t escape accountability, no matter how hard they try. It’s a welcome promise, yet the reality of porous borders and strained resources often undercuts such bold claims. Actions must match the rhetoric.
Castillo’s capture in Mexico, while a victory, highlights the challenges of international crime. Too often, suspects flee to jurisdictions where cooperation is sluggish or inconsistent. This case succeeded, but how many others slip away due to diplomatic red tape?
For Sandy Ly Le’s family, this arrest may bring a sliver of peace after years of anguish. Nothing can replace their loss, but seeing an accused killer in custody is a step toward resolution. The legal process ahead will test their endurance further.
The broader lesson here is clear: law enforcement must be empowered to act decisively, unhindered by overcautious policies or political posturing. Castillo’s nine-year evasion isn’t just a personal failing—it’s a systemic one. We need reforms that prioritize justice over endless delays.
As Castillo awaits extradition, the nation watches. Will this case finally deliver accountability, or will legal loopholes drag it out further? For now, the FBI and CMPD have scored a win, but the fight for safer streets continues.
