Fugitive on FBI's 'most wanted' list captured in Mexico

A law enforcement saga that has evaded conclusion for more than a decade was recently brought to a successful end in Mexico with the arrest of a notorious fugitive.

Officials on Thursday took Arnoldo Jimenez into custody in Monterrey on charges related to the 2012 Illinois death of his wife of two days, Estrella Carerra, as Fox News reports.

Lengthy saga comes to a head

It was on May 13, 2012, that Carerra was discovered deceased in her Burbank, Illinois apartment, not even 48 hours after she wed Jimenez.

It was only a matter of days before Jimenez was charged with first-degree murder in his new bride's death and a warrant was issued by the state for his arrest, with a subsequent federal warrant issued soon after for unlawful flight to evade prosecution.

Though more than a decade passed from the time of his initial warrants to his eventual capture, agencies including FBI Chicago, FBI San Antonio, FBI LEGAT Mexico City, and federal court authorities in Illinois worked together to find the fugitive.

In the end, Jimenez, the fourth-most wanted fugitive according to the FBI, was arrested by the Fiscalia General de la Republica, aided by Interpol.

Until extradition proceedings can be conducted in Mexico, Jimenez will remain in police custody.

FBI lauds collaborative success

A press release issued by the FBI in the wake of Jimenez's arrest underscored the collaborative nature of the mission.

Douglas DePodesta, special agent in charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, stated, “The FBI is extremely appreciative of the Burbank Police Department, our law enforcement partners in Mexico, and the public for their tremendous investigative efforts and collaboration in the capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez.”

He added, “The FBI will use all of its available resources to bring criminals to justice, no matter how much time ha passed or where they may be in the world.”

Burbank Police Department Deputy Chief Willaim Casey said, “The apprehension of Arnoldo Jimenez was the result of the tireless teamwork by the FBI and Burbank Police Department, and we would like to commend the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved.”

Casey added, “The FBI and Burbank Police Department were committed to bringing justice for Estrella Carrera and her family,” and with Jimenez now in custody, hopefully that is precisely what they receive.