The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested an escaped Virginia inmate who was linked to the murder of a sheriff in Mexico. The inmate, named Edward Salas, had been on the run for over a decade before being apprehended by the FBI in Mexico.
Salas was serving a 51-year sentence for his involvement in the murder of a 10-year-old boy in New Mexico in 2005. He escaped from a prison in Clovis, New Mexico, in 2008 with the help of eight other inmates. After his escape, Salas fled to Mexico, where he lived under a false identity for several years.
In 2010, Salas was linked to the murder of a sheriff in Chihuahua, Mexico. The sheriff, named Jesus Manuel Lara Rodriguez, was shot and killed while investigating a car theft ring. Salas was identified as one of the suspects in the case, but he remained at large for several years.
The FBI began working with Mexican authorities to track down Salas in 2016. The agency offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture. In February 2021, the FBI received a tip that Salas was living in the city of Juarez, Mexico. The agency worked with Mexican authorities to locate and arrest Salas.
Salas is now facing extradition to the United States to serve out the remainder of his sentence for the murder of the 10-year-old boy. He will also face charges for his role in the prison escape.
The arrest of Salas is a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in both the United States and Mexico. It demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in tracking down fugitives and bringing them to justice.
The case also highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in Mexico, where violence and corruption are rampant. The murder of Sheriff Rodriguez is just one example of the risks that officers face on a daily basis.
Overall, the arrest of Edward Salas is a positive development in the fight against crime and a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the FBI and its partners in Mexico.
