In a major law enforcement success, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has captured one of its Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives following a sting operation in Mexico. Alejandro Rosales Castillo, 27, was arrested in the city of Pachuca on Friday, bringing an end to nearly a decade-long manhunt that began after he was accused of murdering his former girlfriend in Charlotte, North Carolina. The arrest was confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who praised the combined investigative efforts of federal and local law enforcement.
Castillo had been wanted in connection with the 2016 killing of Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le, 23, a coworker and former romantic partner. According to authorities, Castillo shot Le in the head in a wooded area in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. The crime prompted a swift response from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and the FBI, but Castillo fled the United States before he could be apprehended. Surveillance footage captured him crossing the US-Mexico border in January 2016, after which he remained at large for several years.
Added to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list in October 2017, Castillo had been sought for first-degree murder and for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The federal arrest warrant highlighted the serious nature of the charges and initiated an international effort to locate him. Over the years, law enforcement officials in both the United States and Mexico worked diligently to trace Castillo’s movements, ultimately uncovering his location in Pachuca.
“This is the fifth Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured under this FBI in one year, since the beginning of 2025—more captures in one year than the entire previous four years combined,” Director Patel noted. He credited the operation to “great investigative work and great leadership in this administration” and acknowledged the support of the Department of Justice and President Donald Trump, stating that their policies allowed law enforcement officials to “be cops” without unnecessary interference.
Castillo is currently detained in Mexico City pending extradition to North Carolina, where he will face prosecution for the murder of Le. The case has drawn national attention, not only for the brutality of the crime but also for the prolonged efforts required to bring Castillo to justice.
Authorities report that Castillo had been living what appeared to be a normal life while in hiding, likely believing that he would never be apprehended. FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. described the fugitive’s life in Mexico as relatively ordinary, noting that he had evaded detection for years despite extensive investigative efforts. “For nearly ten years, special agents and CMPD task force officers in Charlotte have worked countless hours to develop leads to locate Castillo, ultimately uncovering where he has been hiding the past several years,” Barnacle said.
The circumstances surrounding Le’s death remain a tragic focal point for family, friends, and the Charlotte community. Castillo was only 17 years old at the time of the alleged murder. Investigators revealed that he owed Le approximately $1,000 and had initially agreed to meet her in Charlotte to repay the debt. The meeting, however, turned fatal. Authorities allege that Castillo drove Le into the woods and shot her in the head before fleeing the scene.
Russ Ferguson, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, emphasized the broader message behind Castillo’s capture. “Those who engage in violence will not get away with it—no matter how hard they try,” Ferguson said. “This case is a testament that we will never give up our pursuit of justice.”
The apprehension of Castillo brings a measure of closure to the family of Sandy Le, who has endured nearly a decade without resolution. “Sadly, Sandy’s family began another new year without her,” Barnacle said. “We hope knowing her accused killer is in custody will provide some level of solace now.” While no single development can undo the pain of the loss, the successful operation represents a critical step in ensuring accountability.
Castillo’s addition to the Top Ten Most Wanted list in 2017 underscored the gravity of his crimes and the nationwide effort to secure his arrest. The list is reserved for fugitives considered highly dangerous or exceptionally difficult to capture, and his inclusion reflects the level of risk and the importance of his apprehension to public safety. FBI records indicate that Castillo’s flight from the United States involved multiple border crossings and extensive concealment, demonstrating both the challenge and persistence required by law enforcement to bring him to justice.
The collaborative efforts between U.S. federal authorities and Mexican law enforcement were central to the successful sting operation in Pachuca. By leveraging intelligence, surveillance, and investigative coordination across borders, authorities were able to track Castillo to his location and execute a coordinated arrest. This operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation in apprehending fugitives who attempt to evade justice outside the United States.
The arrest also serves as a demonstration of the FBI’s continued commitment to pursuing its Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives, a program that has historically led to the apprehension of individuals involved in the most serious criminal offenses. Director Patel noted the extraordinary results of the past year, highlighting that the bureau has captured more Top Ten fugitives in 2025 than in any previous four-year span, underscoring both the skill and dedication of law enforcement teams nationwide.
In Charlotte, the investigation into Le’s murder had been exhaustive. The CMPD and FBI collaborated closely to develop leads and trace Castillo’s activities, maintaining a persistent focus despite the many years that had elapsed. These efforts included analyzing surveillance footage, tracking cross-border movements, and pursuing tips that ultimately led authorities to Pachuca. The methodical work of law enforcement ensured that Castillo could not remain at large indefinitely.
The case has also highlighted the vulnerabilities and dangers faced by young women in personal relationships, particularly in situations involving unresolved debts, personal conflicts, and volatile behavior. Castillo’s history of targeting a former romantic partner, combined with the premeditated nature of the crime, illustrates the severity of the offense and the necessity of vigilant investigative response.
Upon extradition to North Carolina, Castillo is expected to face a first-degree murder charge and additional counts related to his flight from prosecution. Prosecutors have indicated that they will pursue the case vigorously, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for Sandy Le and her surviving family members. Legal experts anticipate that the combination of strong evidence, including eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage, will form the basis of a compelling case against the fugitive.
Public reaction to Castillo’s capture has been largely positive among law enforcement officials and community members. Many have praised the diligence and persistence of the FBI and local task forces, noting that the arrest sends a clear message that fugitives cannot evade justice indefinitely. Others have expressed relief that the fugitive’s apprehension may provide closure and some measure of comfort to Le’s grieving family.
The case of Alejandro Rosales Castillo is a stark reminder of the importance of sustained investigative efforts, interagency coordination, and international cooperation in apprehending fugitives who cross borders to avoid prosecution. It also underscores the broader responsibilities of law enforcement in ensuring that violent offenders are held accountable, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime.
As Castillo remains in Mexican custody pending extradition, authorities continue to monitor developments closely, ensuring that all legal and procedural requirements are followed. The extradition process is expected to be completed swiftly, enabling North Carolina officials to take custody and begin formal proceedings. In the meantime, law enforcement agencies nationwide are likely to view this capture as a model for coordinated efforts in complex, cross-border fugitive investigations.
In conclusion, the apprehension of Alejandro Rosales Castillo represents a significant achievement for the FBI and its partners, marking the fifth capture of a Top Ten Most Wanted fugitive in 2025 alone. The arrest brings renewed hope for justice to the family of Sandy Le, demonstrates the capabilities of modern investigative operations, and reaffirms the commitment of federal and local authorities to pursuing violent offenders wherever they may attempt to hide. Castillo’s eventual trial will be closely watched, both for its legal implications and for its symbolic significance in the ongoing fight to hold fugitives accountable for serious crimes.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
