The long arm of justice finally caught up with Alejandro Rosales Castillo, ending a near decade-long international manhunt.
Story Snapshot
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo was apprehended in Mexico after nearly ten years on the run.
- The murder of Sandy Le in 2016 initiated an international pursuit.
- Castillo was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2017.
- Justice prevails, highlighting the persistence of law enforcement across borders.
The Fugitive’s Capture
The FBI announced the arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a fugitive on their Ten Most Wanted list since October 2017. Castillo evaded capture for nearly a decade following the murder of his co-worker, Sandy Le, in Charlotte, North Carolina, back in August 2016. He was finally apprehended in Mexico on January 16, 2026. This arrest marks the end of a relentless pursuit that spanned nearly ten years and crossed international boundaries.
The crime that sparked this extensive manhunt was deeply personal, arising from a debt Castillo owed to Le. On August 9, 2016, Castillo contacted Le under the pretense of repaying a $1,000 debt. Instead, he forced her to withdraw the remaining funds from her bank account and then tragically ended her life in a wooded area in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. This heinous act was followed by a daring escape across the country and into Mexico.
The Extensive Manhunt
The investigation into Castillo’s whereabouts involved an impressive collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with the FBI taking the lead. The case gained international dimensions as Castillo managed to evade capture by crossing into Mexico with the help of accomplice Ahmia Feaster. The FBI’s commitment to bringing Castillo to justice never wavered, with the agency offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Over the years, the FBI’s determination to track Castillo down was unwavering, despite the fugitive’s ability to “live a normal life” for over nine years. Castillo’s addition to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list underscored the seriousness and commitment with which the agency pursued this case, ultimately leading to his arrest in Mexico.
Justice for Sandy Le
The arrest of Castillo signifies a significant victory for justice, particularly for Sandy Le’s family, who have waited nearly a decade for this moment. The news of Castillo’s capture brings a sense of closure to a grieving family and a community that has long awaited justice. For the FBI and its partners, the successful apprehension of Castillo validates years of relentless investigative work and international cooperation.
With Castillo now in custody, the legal proceedings will commence, starting with extradition to North Carolina where he will face first-degree murder charges. This development also serves as a testament to the efficacy of international law enforcement collaboration, demonstrating that fugitives cannot outrun justice indefinitely, regardless of the borders they cross.
