Fugitive captured in Mexico for 2008 murder

LAS VEGAS, NV – The family of a murder victim, after 17 long years, received unexpected news that brought a mix of hope and heartbreak. The accused killer, who had evaded capture for years, was finally apprehended in Mexico, reigniting a case that many thought had gone cold.

In 2008, tragedy struck when 18-year-old David Manriquez was killed during a violent encounter at his ex-girlfriend’s home. The suspect, then 17-year-old Jonothan Romero, was identified as the gunman. Allegedly, driven by jealousy, Romero forced his way into the residence and ended Manriquez’s life.

For years, the victim’s family had resigned themselves to the possibility that justice might never be served. “We put it in God’s hands,” said Rookie Manriquez, the victim’s sister, reflecting on the uncertainty that followed the crime.

The investigation initially mobilized a SWAT team and multiple officers who scoured the area for Romero. Despite their efforts, he managed to disappear, leaving his whereabouts a mystery until his recent capture.

The arrest in Mexico brought a wave of emotions to the victim’s family. They were informed of the development by local news, marking a significant turn in their long quest for closure. “We always wondered where he was,” Rookie said, expressing relief that, at last, they had some answers.

David Manriquez left behind an infant son, who is now 17 and being raised by his grandparents. The family often contemplates what might have been if David had lived, remembering him as a remarkable individual with a promising future.

At the Regional Justice Center, the family gathered, hopeful that this arrest would lead to justice being served. “He was a great person,” Rookie shared, lamenting the loss and the years spent waiting for this moment.

As the legal process begins, the Manriquez family remains steadfast, determined to see the case through. Their resilience, forged over nearly two decades, underscores their unwavering hope for justice.