Charlotte, North Carolina, January 27, 2026
Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an accused murderer and former fugitive, had his bond denied during a court appearance in Mecklenburg County. Castillo, accused of first-degree murder in the 2016 death of Truc Quan ‘Sandy’ Ly Le, had evaded authorities for nearly a decade. His recent capture in Mexico followed extensive collaboration between law enforcement agencies. The judge ruled against his release due to the severity of charges and flight risk concerns, bringing the long-awaited case closer to trial.
Charlotte: FBI Most Wanted Suspect Denied Bond in 2016 Murder Case
Charlotte, North Carolina – A man who was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, Alejandro Rosales Castillo, appeared in a Mecklenburg County court on Monday, January 26, 2026, where a judge formally denied him bond. Castillo is accused of a 2016 murder that led to a nearly decade-long manhunt across international borders.
Court Appearance and Charges
During his initial court appearance, Alejandro Rosales Castillo, now 27 years old, was appointed a Mecklenburg County public defender. The judge ruled that he would not be released, denying bond due to the severity of the charges and his history as an international fugitive. Castillo faces charges including first-degree murder in the death of 23-year-old Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le, robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, and first-degree kidnapping.
Apprehension After Nearly a Decade
The denial of bond marks a significant step in the legal process following Castillo’s apprehension. He was captured on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. His capture was the result of extensive collaboration between the FBI Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), with the FBI’s Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City coordinating efforts with Mexican authorities, including Agencia de Investigación Criminal-INTERPOL and the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana. Castillo was then extradited to Charlotte on January 23, 2026, to face the charges against him.
Details of the 2016 Homicide
The charges against Castillo stem from the August 2016 death of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le. Her body was discovered on August 17, 2016, in a wooded area in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, bearing a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities stated that Le’s vehicle was found on August 15, 2016, at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona. Castillo was last seen on surveillance video crossing the border from Nogales, Arizona, into Mexico on August 16, 2016, initiating his nearly decade-long flight. He was subsequently added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2017.
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list is a program of Nationwide scope established in March 1950. It was created to generate public assistance in the apprehension of individuals considered particularly dangerous and who might not otherwise receive widespread attention. The list heavily relies on tips from citizens, which have led to 160 apprehensions of Top Ten fugitives since the program’s inception. Candidates for the list are selected based on a lengthy record of serious crimes, being a significant threat to society, and the belief that Nationwide publicity will aid in their capture. The FBI offers a minimum reward of up to $100,000 for information directly leading to the arrest of a Top Ten fugitive.
North Carolina Bond Procedures
In North Carolina, bond hearings are a crucial step in the justice system, where a judge sets conditions for a defendant’s pretrial release. For serious charges such as murder, there are exceptions to the standard bond procedures, and a judge may determine that “NO BOND” is appropriate. This decision is often based on factors like whether the defendant poses a flight risk or a danger to the community. Given Alejandro Rosales Castillo’s history as an international fugitive, legal experts had anticipated that the court would deny bond in his case. Under State-level law, magistrates may not immediately set bonds for certain violent crimes, requiring defendants to await a judge’s review.
This legal development brings the 2016 murder case closer to trial, with Castillo remaining in custody in Mecklenburg County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alejandro Rosales Castillo accused of?
Alejandro Rosales Castillo is accused of first-degree murder in the 2016 death of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le. He also faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, and first-degree kidnapping.
When and where was Alejandro Rosales Castillo apprehended?
Alejandro Rosales Castillo was captured on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, after nearly a decade on the run.
What was the outcome of his recent court appearance?
During his first appearance in a Mecklenburg County court on Monday, January 26, 2026, Alejandro Rosales Castillo was denied bond by a judge and ruled not to be released.
What is the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list?
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list is a Nationwide program established in 1950 to publicize particularly dangerous fugitives and encourage public assistance in their apprehension.
Why was bond denied in this case under North Carolina law?
In North Carolina, judges can deny bond for serious charges like murder, especially when a defendant is considered a flight risk or a danger to the community. Alejandro Rosales Castillo’s history as an international fugitive was a key factor in the decision to deny bond.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Alejandro Rosales Castillo | N/A |
| Primary Charge | First-degree murder of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Original Crime Date | August 2016 | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Time on the Run | Nearly a decade | N/A |
| FBI List Status | FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives | Nationwide |
| Date of Apprehension | January 15, 2026 | International (Mexico) |
| Date of Extradition to Charlotte | January 23, 2026 | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Date of Court Appearance | January 26, 2026 | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Court Outcome | Bond Denied | State-level (North Carolina) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte’s Civic Response to Federal Enforcement Operations
Alejandro Rosales Castillo Returned to Charlotte After Decade-Long Manhunt
Arrest of CMPD Officers After Internal Investigation
Charlotte Officer Matthew Michael Arrested Again Amid Controversy
Charlotte Faces Rising Crime Concerns
Significant Developments in Charlotte Area: Missing Teens and Community Celebrations
Juvenile Fires Shots Outside Port Charlotte Waffle House
FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Captured After Years of Search
Julian McMahon, Beloved Actor of Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four, Passes Away
Nearly 40 Years Later, Justice for Kiki Camarena
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
