Charlotte, North Carolina, January 24, 2026
Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive, has returned to Charlotte, North Carolina, after being captured in Mexico. His capture, announced by FBI and local law enforcement, concludes a nearly decade-long manhunt connected to the 2016 murder of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le. Castillo faces serious charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping. This successful international operation underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders in bringing fugitives to justice.
Charlotte, North Carolina
A decade-long manhunt concluded recently with the return of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an individual previously listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, to Charlotte, North Carolina. Castillo was captured in Mexico and subsequently transferred to the custody of United States law enforcement, marking a significant achievement in international and interagency cooperation.
International Collaboration Secures Fugitive’s Return
The transfer of Castillo to Charlotte was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel, alongside FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Chief Estella D. Patterson. This successful operation involved extensive collaboration between the FBI, including its Charlotte Field Office and the Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City, and the Government of Mexico. Mexican authorities, specifically the Agencia de Investigación Criminal-INTERPOL (AIC-INTERPOL) Vetted Team and the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC), were instrumental in taking Castillo into custody.
Castillo, an American citizen, had been a fugitive for nearly a decade, sought in connection with the 2016 murder of 23-year-old Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le in Charlotte, North Carolina. His capture occurred in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on January 16, 2026. He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on October 24, 2017. The FBI had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information directly leading to his arrest.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The alleged crime for which Castillo is wanted dates back to 2016. Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le, a co-worker of Castillo’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, was found murdered. Her body was discovered on August 17, 2016, in a wooded area in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, with a gunshot wound to the head. Before the discovery of her body, Ly Le’s vehicle was located at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 15, 2016.
State-level arrest warrants for Castillo were issued in the District Court of North Carolina, for Mecklenburg County, on November 2, 2016. These warrants charged him with First-degree murder, First-degree kidnapping, Robbery with a dangerous weapon, and Larceny of a motor vehicle. Subsequently, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on February 10, 2017, charging Castillo with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Broader Implications of the Arrest
This apprehension represents a broader success in law enforcement efforts. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that Castillo is one of six Ten Most Wanted fugitives apprehended under this FBI in less than one year, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained law enforcement support and resources. Director Patel acknowledged the leadership of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with the diligent work of field agents and international partners, including Ambassador Johnson, President Sheinbaum, and Secretary Harfuch in Mexico.
The successful transfer is seen as a pivotal step towards providing justice and comfort to the victim’s family, signaling that those allegedly responsible for heinous crimes will ultimately face accountability, regardless of how long they evade authorities.
The pursuit of individuals on the Ten Most Wanted list involves extensive intelligence sharing, interagency cooperation, and international partnerships, which were all critical factors in this case. The return of Castillo to the United States ensures that he will now stand trial for the charges he has been evading for years in North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main news event?
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive, has been returned to Charlotte, North Carolina, after being captured in Mexico.
- When was Alejandro Rosales Castillo captured?
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo was captured in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on January 16, 2026.
- What charges does Alejandro Rosales Castillo face?
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo faces state-level charges of First-degree murder, First-degree kidnapping, Robbery with a dangerous weapon, and Larceny of a motor vehicle. He also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
- Who was the victim in the alleged murder?
- The victim in the alleged murder was 23-year-old Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le.
- What was the reward offered for information leading to Castillo’s arrest?
- The FBI had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information directly leading to Alejandro Rosales Castillo’s arrest.
- Who was involved in the capture and transfer of Castillo?
- The capture and transfer involved the FBI (Charlotte Field Office, Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City), the Government of Mexico (Agencia de Investigación Criminal-INTERPOL Vetted Team, Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC)), and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Key individuals include FBI Director Kash Patel, FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr., and CMPD Chief Estella D. Patterson.
- How long was Alejandro Rosales Castillo on the run?
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo had been on the run for nearly a decade.
Key Features of Alejandro Rosales Castillo’s Case
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Fugitive’s Name | Alejandro Rosales Castillo | Nationwide |
| Status | FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive (captured and returned) | Nationwide |
| Capture Location | Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico | International |
| Date of Capture | January 16, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Primary Crime | 2016 murder of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le | State-level (North Carolina) |
| State-Level Charges | First-degree murder, First-degree kidnapping, Robbery with a dangerous weapon, Larceny of a motor vehicle | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Federal-Level Charges | Unlawful flight to avoid prosecution | Nationwide |
| Reward Offered | Up to $250,000 | Nationwide |
| Time on the Run | Nearly a decade | Nationwide |
| Key Agencies Involved | FBI, Government of Mexico, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department | Nationwide, International, State-level |
| FBI Director | Kash Patel | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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