The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has successfully apprehended Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a fugitive on their Top Ten Most Wanted list since 2017, in Pachuca, Mexico. Castillo, 27, was captured on Friday in a coordinated sting operation, FBI Director Kash Patel announced. The arrest marks a significant achievement for federal law enforcement, showcasing their relentless pursuit of justice.
Castillo was accused of the 2016 murder of his former girlfriend, 23-year-old Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le, in North Carolina. Le's body was discovered in a wooded area with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Following the murder, Castillo fled the United States, crossing into Mexico where he managed to evade capture for several years. Surveillance footage documented his escape, aiding authorities in their long-term investigation.
The arrest was made possible through the diligent efforts of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and FBI task force agents, who meticulously followed leads over the years. Their work uncovered Castillo's quiet life in Mexico, leading to his capture. FBI Director Patel, in a statement released on social media, highlighted this as the fifth Top Ten fugitive capture since the beginning of 2025, attributing the success to aggressive law enforcement strategies and strong political leadership.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, the FBI has intensified its efforts to bring the nation's most dangerous criminals to justice. Patel praised Trump and the Department of Justice for empowering agents to effectively perform their duties. He also noted that the FBI has captured more Top Ten fugitives in a single year than in the previous four years combined.
Castillo is currently detained in Mexico City, awaiting extradition to North Carolina to face a charge of first-degree murder. The case against him alleges that he owed Le approximately $1,000 and lured her under the guise of repayment, only to drive her to a secluded location and commit the murder.
The FBI had described Castillo as armed and extremely dangerous while he was at large, offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his arrest. James Barnacle Jr., the FBI’s Charlotte special agent in charge, expressed hope that the arrest would provide some comfort to Le’s family, who have endured nearly a decade awaiting justice.
In connection with the murder, two additional suspects were charged. Felipe Ulloa was accused of being an accessory after the fact, while Ahmia Feaster fled to Mexico before later surrendering. Feaster was extradited, charged, and released on bond in 2017. Until his recent capture, Castillo remained the primary fugitive.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated that the arrest is a testament to the fact that violent criminals cannot escape justice indefinitely. He reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to pursue accountability relentlessly. The successful operation underscores the current administration's renewed focus on law and order, as the FBI continues to track down and apprehend the nation's most dangerous fugitives.
