FBI apprehends wanted person in Mexico nearly a decade after reportedly killing colleague

FBI Arrests Most Wanted Fugitive in Mexico

The FBI revealed on Saturday that Alejandro Rosales Castillo, who has been on the top ten most wanted list since 2017, has been arrested in Mexico.

FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that the arrest occurred on Friday. Castillo was wanted for the murder of his former colleague, “Sandy” Lee Lee, who was 23 at the time of her death in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2016.

Patel stated, “Alejandro Castillo is the fifth FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive to be captured since last year, surpassing the total captures of the previous four years combined. This demonstrates effective leadership rather than mere luck. When law enforcement is empowered to act decisively, positive outcomes follow. The diligent efforts of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office, along with our local and state partners and Mexican authorities, have been outstanding. With this arrest, we are bringing the long-awaited justice that Sandy Lee Lee’s family deserves.”

Representative Pat Harrington from North Carolina expressed his gratitude, stating, “Nearly nine years after the murder in Charlotte, the killer is finally in custody. I appreciate the persistence of the FBI, CMPD, and our federal partners in achieving justice for North Carolina.”

The FBI’s Charlotte office reported Castillo was captured in Pachuca, Hidalgo state, Mexico. He is currently held there, awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

James C. Barnacle Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte office, shared that, “For over nine years, he led what seemed like a normal life, perhaps believing he would evade capture, but our dedicated agents did not relent in their pursuit of justice. Sadly, Sandy’s family starts another year without her, yet we hope this brings them some comfort as her suspected murderer is now in custody.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella D. Patterson commented on the significance of cooperation among law enforcement. “This collaborative effort sends a clear message: those who commit violent acts cannot escape justice. Capturing this fugitive will enhance safety in Charlotte and neighboring communities. While nothing can replace the loss Sandy’s family has endured, we hope this development offers them some solace,” she stated.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, added, “Those who commit acts of violence cannot hide, no matter how hard they try.”

It appears Castillo had some financial disagreements with Lee, amounting to $1,000, and she vanished after agreeing to meet him at a gas station. Following this, her car was discovered in Phoenix.

Castillo was placed on the FBI’s “10 Most Wanted Fugitives” list in October 2017. There were two additional suspects charged in connection with the murder. Initially listed as missing, Ahmia Feaster turned herself in to authorities in 2017 after being extradited from Mexico to North Carolina. She is facing several charges related to the murder. A third individual, Felipe Ulloa, was charged with aiding and abetting murder in March 2017.