The FBI announced the arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, who had been on the agency's Ten Most Wanted list since 2017, in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Castillo is accused in the 2016 murder of 23-year-old Sandy Ly Le in Charlotte and is detained in Mexico awaiting extradition. Officials praised extensive coordination among the FBI, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Mexican authorities and said the arrest may bring some measure of solace to Le’s family. Two other suspects were charged in 2017 in connection with the case.
FBI Captures Top Ten Fugitive Alejandro Rosales Castillo in Mexico in 2016 Charlotte Murder Case
FBI captures Top Ten Most Wanted fugitive sought for alleged 2016 murder of North Carolina co-worker in Mexico
The FBI announced Saturday that agents in Mexico arrested Alejandro Rosales Castillo, who had been on the agency's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since October 2017. Castillo is accused in the 2016 killing of 23-year-old Sandy Ly Le in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is currently detained in Mexico pending extradition to the United States.
Arrest Details
According to the FBI's Charlotte field office, Castillo was taken into custody Friday in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Authorities say Castillo allegedly owed Le $1,000 and that she disappeared after agreeing to meet him at a gas station. Investigators later located her vehicle in Phoenix.
Law Enforcement Response
The FBI said in a statement that Castillo is the fifth person on the agency's Ten Most Wanted list captured since last year, a development the bureau characterized as the result of focused leadership and strong cooperation among partners.
“When law enforcement is given clear backing and the freedom to act, results follow,” the FBI said, praising the work of the Charlotte field office, local partners and Mexican authorities.
FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said investigators never stopped searching for Castillo. “For more than nine years, he lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, but our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice,” Barnacle said. He added that the arrest may provide some measure of solace to Le’s family.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.(Getty Images)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella D. Patterson highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation: “This joint effort sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot outrun justice.” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson also vowed that “those who engage in violence will not get away with it — no matter how hard they try.”
Related Cases
Two other suspects were charged in 2017 in connection with Le’s murder. Ahmia Feaster, initially listed as missing, surrendered to authorities in 2017 and was extradited from Mexico; she faced several charges, including accessory-related counts. A third person, Felipe Ulloa, was charged with accessory after the fact in March 2017.
The FBI confirmed Castillo remains detained in Mexico while extradition proceedings continue. Local, federal and international partners are coordinating next steps in the case.
Note: This is a developing story; updates will follow as more information becomes available. Fox News Digital reached out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Justice Department for comment.
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